VOLUNTEERS at a Bolton charity aiming to help people with learning difficulties lead independent lives are hoping a new base will boost their work.

Bolton Independent Living Federation is getting ready to take over new headquarters in Bromley Cross next month.

The move to an office in Darwen Road is expected to usher in a new phase in the charity's work, putting it on a more professional footing.

A £221,000 grant from the National Lottery earlier this year is paying for the premises plus the recruitment of a new administrative worker and development worker.

Chairman David Emms, one of the group's co-founders when it was set up in May 2000, said: "I've been doing everything from home up to now.

"We need an office as a drop-in centre so we're accessible to people. No one else in Bolton is doing this kind of work."

The new development worker will aim to identify and help six Bolton people with learning disabilities each year. Help could range from round-the-clock care to a couple of hours a week sorting out shopping and bills, depending on the severity of the disability.

Mr Emms added that the support would also bring relief to carers, often in their 60s or 70s, looking after grown-up children with disabilities such as Down's Syndrome.

Bolton Independent Living Federation's work will mirror that of 15 groups across the North-west, including one in Bury.

Treasurer Marjorie Emms said: "This sort of work is tried and tested and it is successful. It gives people with learning disabilities a chance to have their own lives."

The charity is planning an open day when its new premises, on the corner of John Street, are officially opened.

Potential service users and social services representatives will be invited.