LABOUR left-wingers Terry Lewis and David Chaytor today led local MPs in hailing Gordon Brown's budget as a major success.

Worsley's Mr Lewis warned that there were always problems in the details of a budget, but said that at first sight all the right decisions had been taken.

He particularly welcomed extra support for pensioners and he would now be pressing for further concessions, such as free TV licenses.

Bury North MP Mr Chaytor said: "This is the last budget of the century and I think it is the best budget of the century."

He highlighted help for the low paid in work and families.

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon was also delighted and put great stress on the fact that it was a "re-distributed budget" - helping the lower paid by taking some tax from the better off.

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly highlighted the 10p starting rate for tax and the increase in the minimum guarantee to ensure that those in work would keep more of their earnings.

Leigh Labour MP Lawrence Cunliffe said the budget was good news for working families, books in schools, and pensioners.

Bolton North-east MP David Crausby said: "I was very pleased he did something for pensioners but disappointed that he didn't cut the cost of TV licences. We shall continue to press him on this."

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