The mayor of Bolton has become a member of an "award-winning" social enterprise.

Cllr Andy Morgan signed up as the latest member of Hoot Credit Union, the winner of the Social Enterprise of the Year at the Bolton Business Awards.

He joined the 6,000 Hoot members and pledged his support to their mission of "improving the financial well-being of the community".

Accompanied by mayoress Karen Houldsworth, Cllr Morgan met with the staff and volunteer directors of the credit union to better understand their role as providers of ethical savings, loans, and financial education.

Rob Andrews, chair of the board of directors, said: "The board ensures that the credit union is at its best.

"We believe the CEO and her team do an excellent job to ensure the integrity of the service we provide, and the inclusion of the whole community in benefitting from membership of the credit union."

CEO Chris Canham said: "Social enterprises play a vital role in our local economy and Hoot is proud to be the focus of community finance in Bolton.

"Thousands of people who live and work in Bolton benefit from our services, and are able to support the most financially challenged in our community by saving and borrowing from their member-owned, community-focused social enterprise."

The mayor and directors also discussed the impact of payroll saving schemes in partnership with employers such as the council, Bolton at Home, and Carrs Pasties.

They spoke about the importance of encouraging employers to set up savings with Hoot via payroll as a key part of their support for employee wellness.

By offering value-for-money services and supporting employee well-being, they hope to fulfil one of the most important elements of community credit unions.