BOLTON has taken a lead role in promoting education and links with business and the community at large.

A prestigious conference in the town drew together education and industry under one banner.

Titled "Primary Schools and Businesses-The Mutual Benefits of Partnership" the conference, the first of its kind in the North-west, focused on how primary schools and businesses can work together to give young children an insight into the world of work.

Bolton City Challenge and Bolton Bury TEC, which supports links between the two sectors, sponsored the conference at Bolton's Moat House Hotel, which drew visitors from across the country.

Delegates took part in a number of workshops, dealing with strategies and looking at case studies, including City Challenge's successful project, Schoolinc.

Norman Garner, of Bolton Bury TEC, explained: "Schoolinc, where all the primary schools in the City Challenge area worked with local companies, has been very popular with schools and businesses alike, and has given children an excellent insight into the world of work.

"Getting this conference in Bolton has proved a real coup for us. We were delighted to host such an important event."

Backed by the BEN, Oxford Grove Primary School pupils were at the conference to interview delegates and to put together a newsletter the same day to distribute before the close.

Bolton City Challenge Chief Executive Gerry Fitzhenry and Richard Bindless, Chief Executive of Bolton Bury TEC, were among many business and education officials who spoke at the conference.

City Challenge Chairman Cllr Bob Howarth said: "It is very pleasing to see such a prestigious conference being held here for the first time.

"I'm sure the organisers were influenced in no small way by the success of ours and Bolton Bury TEC partnership schemes."

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