A BID for world heritage status for Worsley has now been postponed until the end of the year.

The campaign was due to be launched this spring by the newly-formed Manchester World Heritage Site Steering Group.

Bosses were hopeful that the official launch of the bid would take place this month, but they have now decided to put it back until the end of year.

The picturesque village with its industrial past, just a few miles away from Bolton, would join wonders of the world such as the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids if its bid is a success.

Worsley has been chosen as a potential world heritage site because of Worsley Delph, an elaborate labyrinth of underground canal tunnels which stretch more than 50 miles. The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in the 1760s inspired nine decades of canal building, and led to many canals being built across Europe and North America. The heritage area will also include nearby Barton Swing Aqueduct, and the Castlefields and Ancoats canal areas in Manchester.

Once presented to the Government, the bid will be forwarded to UNESCO, which awards the world heritage status to sites which add a global dimension to people's understanding of the historical and world environment.