BURY has emerged as runner-up in a national "best town" award in praise of its economic vibrancy.

In the 2015 Urbanism Awards, Bury was pipped by Aberystwyth in Wales for the Great Town accolade.

Also among the top three was Beverley in Yorkshire.

Hailing the runner-up accolade, Bury Council leader Cllr Mike Connolly said: "We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have made the shortlist and the top three. To be competing against the likes of Aberystwyth and Beverley was very tight and to make the top three was a huge achievement in itself."

The award is one of five given out annually by built-environment network The Academy of Urbanism to recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments in the UK and Ireland.

Voted on by its members, who include leading architects, planners and developers, each award covers a number of social, economic and environmental factors, including good governance and commercial success.

The academy praised Bury and the way it has developed into one of the most economically successful towns within Greater Manchester.

Tim Challans, lead assessor for the Great Town award, said: “The assessors were particularly impressed by how Bury is overcoming post-industrial decline by promoting and maintaining collaboration between the local authority, local business and other regional partners.”

He added: "We were impressed that the town has such brilliant cultural activities. Its expanding retail offer is really enhanced by the fantastic covered market and, of course, black pudding."

The Academy runs the Urbanism Awards to help promote and learn from great places.

Stephen Gallagher, communications manager at the Academy, said: “Despite not winning the accolade, we hope this is the start of a strong relationship whereby other towns across the UK, Ireland and further afield, can learn from the excellent work going on in Bury.”