THE long-needed upgrading of Greater Manchester's tram system may finally be getting backing from the Government.

Transport minister Derek Twigg says the government will pay £58m towards the total cost of £102m for Metrolink work.

But the approval is conditional on Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive keeping to the agreed budget. Private firms will bid for the work.

The money will be used to replace some sections of track, improve stations and ticket machines and buy eight more trams for the network reports BBC Manchester.