RESIDENTS will be getting a different kind of Christmas greeting through the post in the next few weeks -- a guide to the NHS in Bolton.

Every home in the town will get a leaflet about the new health body called the Bolton Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The leaflet, called Your Guide to Local Health Services, will be put through letter-boxes during the next few days. PCT bosses hope it will provide a useful snapshot of what is going on in the local NHS.

It has cost the taxpayer £18,341 to print and produce the leaflet -- the equivalent of 14 pence per houshold.

Chief Executive of Bolton PCT, Kevin Snee, said: "Patients are the most important people in the health service. We are committed to providing clear information about local services, and enabling people to have more influence over the way services are delivered. The leaflet will be just one of the many ways we'll try to achieve these goals."

Leaflets are also available from their local health centre, or by calling 01204 360000.

The guide, available in other languages and formats such as audio tapes, is part of the Government's NHS Plan in a national drive to provide better information about local NHS services and encourage local people to get involved in how the health service delivers care.