RAMSBOTTOM has been listed as one of the ‘best’ places to visit in ‘flood-hit Northern England’.

The Guardian published the list after Prime Minister David Cameron launched a £1million PR campaign to encourage people to spend holidays in the north of England this year.

He hopes to persuade British families to help the flood-hit areas put the winter’s devastation behind them by visiting during the Easter holidays.

Ramsbottom was listed as one of the top places to take the ‘tourist pounds’.

The Guardian’s north of England editor wrote: “The poshest town in Bury, Ramsbottom was flooded on Boxing Day when the river Irwell got over-excited and burst its banks.

“The best way to get there is via the East Lancashire Railway, a heritage line which recently welcomed back the revamped Flying Scotsman.

“Rammy is known for its gastronomy, with the Eagle and Child pub a particular favourite.

"Last year Jay Rayner raved about the Spanish cooking at Levanter."

The four other destinations included, Todmorden, Glenridding, Whalley and Lancaster.

Ramsbottom Cllr Ian Bevan said: "I think we can give a really big thank you to East Lancashire Railway for bringing a lot of people into Ramsbottom so far this year.

“We’re always trying to promote the town and soon have the chocolate festival returning, which I’m hopeful will bring in 20,000 to 30,000 visitors, as it has previously.

“I’ve helped out with it in the past and it’s been absolutely brilliant.

“It’s been a difficult time with the economic situation over the past few years so I’m really hoping it picks up and we continue to see more visitors in Ramsbottom for the rest of the year.

“It’s great that Ramsbottom has been mentioned as one of the top places to visit.”