BOLTON College and Bury College will become part of the University of Bolton after proposals to merge the three establishments were approved.

Both colleges will transfer their property rights to the university with the dissolution of both taking place in the near future.

Bill Webster, assistant vice-chancellor of the university, will take over some of the duties of Bury College principal Charlie Deane.

Mr Deane has been appointed as the new group chief executive reporting directly to Professor George Holmes, vice-chancellor of the University of Bolton.

The merger is part of a radical shake-up of post-16 education to achieve “greater efficiency”.

Under the plans, Bolton and Bury Colleges would retain their identities.

Bolton College said it had received a “positive” letter from the chief executive of Bolton Council regarding the merger proposals.

Lorraine Groch, vice-principal for enterprise, said: “Governors met to review the feedback from the consultation exercise and to make a final decision regarding the future of the college.

“The resolution was for Bolton College to merge with the University of Bolton and this process is now under way.”

A university spokesman said: “The university is delighted that the board of governors of each of the colleges have resolved to become part of the University Group. Close collaborative working has commenced.

“Governors from each of the respective institutions are joining together as a consequence of the decision.

“The principal of Bolton College is working closely with the university to give effect to a smooth transition.

“The new combined University and Colleges Group, including the University Technical College UTC Bolton, provides education opportunities from the age of 14 through to completion of advanced doctorate degrees.

“This is a great learning platform for the area. The University and Colleges Group has more than 2,300 staff and in excess of 40,000 students.This makes the University Group one of the country’s largest education providers.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Holmes said: “I am delighted with the progress we have made and this is in no small measure due to the remarkable contribution of the chairmen of the governing bodies and the principals of the colleges.

“They have shown vision and determination to develop something which is first-class for the learner.”