MINISTER for education Margaret Hodge said standards in Bolton schools will get better as extra money is pumped in.

The politician made the vow during a visit to the town last night, where she faced a question and answer session.

The visit followed a tour of Manchester's universities to discuss the government's newest proposals for further education.

Among those invited to attend the town hall session were local councillors, headteachers from the borough's secondary schools and representatives from Bolton College, Bolton Institute and the Students' Union.

Before the event Mrs Hodge hoped there would be positive questions as well as those directed at the planned increase in tuition fees.

She said: "I hope the headteachers will welcome the money put into education and the investment in teachers. We are committed to making standards better in schools and I hope there will be a positive reaction.

"A lot of good has been happening in Bolton's schools because of our investments."

Mrs Hodge also commented on the schools who have recently been awarded specialist status.

"It is great for a school to celebrate and focus on what they are best at, it helps to set standards for the rest of the curriculum. "Extra money also helps the headteacher when it comes to improving quality within the school."