A BOLTON music venue has been shortlisted as one of Britain's best small music venues by a music magazine.

The Alma Inn in Bradshawgate is one of ten venues across the country chosen by NME in its annual poll.

The 250 capacity pub will have to fight off competition from more well known venues such as the King Tut’s Wah-Wah Hut in Glasgow, where Oasis were discovered in 1993, and Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.

Pub owner Jim MacGranthin said he was delighted to be shortlisted and is urging people to vote for them.

He said: "We are up against some pretty big name places which are very well known. It is good to be listed alongside places such as that but we are not holding our breath.

"Everyone at the pub is really pleased, and hopefully will hear about us and come down as a result."

Votes can be cast online and the winner will be announced later this month, and the NME will host a special gig at the winning venue following the announcement.

Previous winners include the Tunbridge Wells Forum in 2012, Southampton Joiners in 2013 and Norwich Arts Centre last year.

The Alma hosts free gigs showcasing rock and metal bands every weekend, with music fans cramming in to the intimate venue to get a look at the action.

The pub became a hub of activity when Jackass star Bam Margera brought his band to play a secret gig in 2013.

Bolton's live music scene has taken a hit recently, with owners of the Railway Venue in Bromley Cross saying it will close its doors in January, and the Dog and Partridge also closing for good.

But Mr MacGranthin, who has run the venue since 2008, said he still thinks there is an appetite for live music in Bolton.

He said: "I think there are still a lot of people interested in live music, it is just trying to get people off their Xbox and off the internet and out to watch a band.

"It is very difficult to a lot of bands to get gigs in major cities at the weekend, so are offering something unique there. We are one of the last places having live music in Bolton so we are keeping it alive."

To vote, visit nme.com/smallvenues

The full list of venues shortlisted is as follows:

East Anglia - The Square, Harlow

Greater London - The Sebright Arms, Bethnal Green

Midlands - The Sugarmill, Stoke

North East - Think Tank, Newcastle

North West - The Alma Inn, Bolton

Scotland - King Tut’s Wah-Wah Hut, Glasgow

South East - Ramsgate Music Hall, Ramsgate

South West - Gloucester Guildhall, Gloucester

Wales - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

Yorkshire & Humberside - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds