TOWN hall bosses are leading the way in a national training scheme for councillors and officers.

Councillor John Byrne, council leader, and Mr Dennis Taylor, chief executive, have been invited to help launch the latest national Modern Members programme.

It is seen as the most systematic attempt yet to provide a framework for councillor development and training in England and Wales.

The initiative is run by the Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA), which chose Bury as one of the first councils to be inspected. Three senior councillors from Bury, including Coun Byrne, are among the first in the country to successfully complete the first Leadership Academy course.

Mr Taylor and other senior officers have taken part in a series of training and assessment courses.

Coun Byrne said: "The idea is to produce councillors and senior officers who can work in the best interests of their communities and are equipped to manage the responsibilities expected of them.

"We firmly believe that the training we have all undergone will benefit our customers, the people of Bury, in the years to come."

The Modern Members programme will be launched in London on Thursday( June 28), and both Coun Byrne and Mr Taylor will speak to delegates.

Mr Taylor added: "We will be giving an insight into the benefits the I&DeA programme have brought to Bury and underlining the importance of member development and the relevance of the Modern Members programme.

"It is good to see our borough, once again, at the forefront of change and modernisation, this time in the field of local government and bringing improved services and skills to our local community."