EDUCATION chiefs are planning a borough-wide multi-million pound investment in improvements for Bolton schools.

More than £6 million has been earmarked for the work with around half of that aimed specifically at primary schools to complete works including the new Gates School at Westhoughton.

Another £2.5m will be spent on repairs, with more than £1m of that going towards modernisation work. Councillor Linda Thomas, Bolton Council executive member for education, said: "I think it's brilliant news and demonstrates the ongoing commitment to invest more in education.

"It's a wide-ranging package aimed at an assortment of projects, ranging from better heating systems to improving the arrangement at schools such as Rivington and Blackrod and Turton High.

"The spend will take into account both improvements to school buildings and work to improve the curriculum facilities at schools.

"And let's not forget that this investment comes on top of the £5 million from the Government and Bolton Council which goes directly to schools for buildings and maintenance," she added.