PARENTS in Bolton will benefit from 175 new free nursery places for their children next year.

The Government has announced increased investment by £228,844 in the town to allow more three-year-olds to receive a quality early education.

Bury has also benefited, with an increase of 453 places following an investment of £539,592.

David Blunkett, education and employment secretary, also announced today that Bolton and Bury have been earmarked for more help via the Neighbourhood Nursery scheme.

The national project will see £203m invested in around 900 new nurseries over the next three years.

Mr Blunkett said: "Today's announcement underlines our commitment to offering parents genuine choice.

"As with new places for three year olds created this year, many of next year's places will be provided in the voluntary sector, playgroups and private nurseries."

Architects are being invited to enter a competition to design the new Neighbourhood Nursery centres and the first one should open before the end of next year.