BURY companies will be flying the flag for the town in June during a popular annual business "Oscars" event.

And a number of local firms have made the shortlist for the Bolton and Bury Millennium Business Awards.

The organisers have decided on the short-list for the Bolton and Bury Millennium Business Awards.

There was a record entry of 156 hopefuls attracted by the prospect of prestige and £40,000 in prize money.

There are 15 different categories, including Company of the Year.

Organisers Bolton Business Ventures (BBV) are delighted with the quality of this year's entries and say the list of 67 from which the winners will be selected has been compiled with some difficulty. All shortlisted finalists will be visited before the final judging on May 9.

The winners will be announced at a special Gala Presentation Dinner to be held at the Reebok Stadium, Lostock on Friday, June 2.

Tickets (£39 plus VAT) are available from BBV on 01204-391400.

Local shortlisted finalists are: Bobbles Hair Ltd, Market Street, Bury; Brides & Co, Bolton Street, Bury; Garic Plant Hire, Whalley Road, Shuttleworth; Gradient International Inc, Bury New Road, Prestwich; PR World Travel, Water Street, Radcliffe; The Tickle Group, Summerseat, Bury and Wells House Kindergarten, Ringley Road, Stoneclough, Radcliffe.