HIGH-TECH finance systems are set to save GMP bosses £2 million in man hours.

The two electronic systems will allow officers to use special ordering systems and credit cards to cut down on paperwork and invoices.

It comes after government bosses set the targets for all public services.

And GMP managers say it will mean police officers will be able to provide a better overall service to townsfolk.

Last month GMP introduced the first part of the strategy, in which purchasing cards - effectively credit cards - can be used to buy cheaper goods and services.

The second stage will come into force in April 2001, when a special computerised ordering system is introduced, again cutting down on paperwork.

Nigel Brooks, GMP's finance director, said: "We have made an excellent start in our bid to meet the government's objectives.

"We are hoping the purchasing cards and the Oracle purchasing ordering software will save our staff valuable time which could be spent dealing with more important matters such as serving the public."