BOLTON is to play a starring role in the glamorous world of film and television by launching its own "film bureau".

In recent months A-listers have been spotted on the streets of Bolton ­— and now to cope with increasing filming demands for hit television shows and Hollywood blockbuster films, Bolton Council have launched a "film office".

The existing marketing, events and communications team will provide a "one-stop" shop for location managers.

The exciting new development comes as Bolton continues cements its reputation as "Hollywood of the North".

Martyn Cox, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: "It is good to see so many television and film companies coming to Bolton to film and long may it continue."

Only this week, filming for Alibi's new crime drama Traces took place in Le Mans Crescent, starring Line of Duty's Martin Compston. The cast also includes Molly Windsor from Cheat, Laura Fraser from The Loch and Jenifer Spence from You Me Her.

Sarah Parish and Robert Carlyle have been seen in and around the borough.

Not only is filming showcasing Bolton to a national and international audience, it is also proving lucrative, with the council making £106,550 in four months through production companies choosing to film in and around the town.

The "film team" will facilitate requests from production companies and provide costings.

A report approved by Town Hall chiefs said: "The Director of Corporate Resources submitted a report which sought approval to formalise arrangements with regard to filming opportunities in Bolton.

"The report put forward proposals to introduce a process to facilitate filming opportunities in Bolton relating to council assets and to formalise arrangements for consistency in the use of staff resources, internal processes and charging models both internally and externally for filming/production companies.

"In this regard, the report put forward a proposed model for the internal income distribution and suggested fees and charges for approval."

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Bolton has become a real hotspot for filming and we need to take advantage of the economic opportunities that come with this.

“In the last few years we have facilitated dozens of filming requests from some of the biggest names in TV production.

“Our town has some beautiful architecture, picturesque countryside and open spaces, and our reputation as a film-friendly location is well known in the industry.

“It makes sense to implement a clear and consistent charging model and all filming requests will be managed and co-ordinated by the Marketing, Events and Communications Team.

“This approach will strengthen Bolton’s credentials as a filming destination, bring more economic benefits to our local businesses, and make filming a reliable and sustainable source of council income in the long term."

Bolton's Le Mans Crescent took centre stage in Bancroft and Monster Calls was filmed on location around Bolton, and the critically acclaimed series Years and Years was shot in the town.