A BAT colony, one of the largest in Greater Manchester, is to be temporarily rehoused to make way for essential bridge-strengthening work.

A section of the M60 motorway near Prestwich, between junction 16 and junction 17, is a favourite haunt for Daubenton's bats.

The stretch of motorway actually forms a bridge over the River Irwell, known as the Irwell Valley Bridge, and is currently undergoing a £4.5 million bridge-strengthening project.

It is a haven for the Daubentons - also known as water bats - because of its proximity to the river and its dark and secluded shelter.

Although the bats normally only use the bridge as a summer roost, some may have stayed behind to hibernate over the winter months and will need rehousing while the work is carried out until August.

The Highways Agency is working with wildlife experts to transfer the bats to their displaced roost in nearby bat boxes'.

Highways Agency project manager Ran Faragher said: "Bats are a protected species and we have to take special measures."

The bridge is one of the largest bat sites in Greater Manchester and an important site for breeding.