AMBULANCES in Bolton are reaching people faster after a summer-long campaign to speed-up response times.

Figures reveal that on average paramedics are reaching patients within the standard eight minutes of a call-out.

Ambulance chiefs say response times have dramatically improved because of a £4.1 million investment in new technology.

Last year, the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service was reaching only 46 per cent of emergency calls within the eight minutes -- now it has notched up 78 per cent, exceeding Government targets.

The Government put GMAS under strict orders to meet the national 75 per cent standard by today.

GMAS chief executive, John Burnside said: "Everyone at GMAS always knew we had the potential and the capability to improve response times for patients but we didn't have the necessary resources.

"With increased funding from all our local health authorities enabling more staff and vehicles, we have truly shown what we can do.

"My management team compiled and implemented an effective plan to improve the service and we have not only met our target but exceeded it."

He added: "Our next challenge is to maintain and improve on this current level."

Twenty-four extra control room operators have been recruited at the GMAS nerve centre and 112 new student paramedics have joined the ambulance service.

Bolton has also seen the introduction of Rapid Response Vehicles -- paramedics driving estate cars for a quicker response to life-threatening incidents.

Director of human resources, John Williams, added: "This is a magnificent return from our many initiatives including sweeping changes in ambulance control and the introduction of RRVs, new staff and new vehicles.

"Above all, we have benefited from the co-operation, support and flexibility of all our staff and their trade unions, particularly UNISON."

Satellite systems were also installed in the ambulance fleet -- at a cost of £11,000 anr ambulance -- to improve response times.