HELP is at hand for shops in Bury keen to ensure they can continue to trade well against the growing competition from the big retailers.

Manchester Metropolitan University is piloting a course in the town which is aimed at helping retailers to develop their learning.

"Towards a Healthy High Street" will be delivered in a series of modules, the first being free. The programme was produced after three years of research by shopping analysts at the university, which specialises in working with the retail trade.

Retailers wanting more information should contact Steve Jones on 0161 247 6056.

The modules include: Retail Trends in the 21st Century; E-business: Establishing an On-line Presence; and E-commerce: Trading On-line.