BURY Council is joining forces with counterparts across the North West in a bid to save time, effort and money.

Bosses will pool skills and knowledge with the other nine Greater Manchester councils, two others and the police, fire and passenger transport authorities.

The group is one of 24 to win Pathfinder status from the Government, which looked at 117 bids.

Mr Mark Sanders, Bury Council's chief executive, said: "It makes sense to share our expertise and to work with each other in areas of mutual interest. Rather than doing our own thing, we will save time, effort and money."

The council is looking at services such as advertising, financial services, processing of benefit claims, construction related professional services, specialist legal services, computer audit, trading standards and Best Value reviews.

Councillor John Byrne, council leader, added: "It seems ludicrous in this day and age for councils which are geographically so close not to be similarly close when it comes to pooling resources to provide the best services.

"This co-operation demonstrates our commitment to provide services of value and quality that will stand comparison with the best from any source, public or private."