PEOPLE with mental health problems in Bolton will get extra help in building the skills and confidence needed to use buses and trains thanks to a £40,000 cash boost.

The Bolton Association Network of Drop-ins (BAND,) a charity which supports people with severe mental health difficulties has been awarded the cash by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA).

The organisation will spend the windfall on developing a travel training scheme offering a range of support.

It says that some people need short-term help to familiarise them with how public transport works in their area and to give them the confidence to use it alone.

Others need a one-to-one personalised training programme that might take place over weeks or months.

Bolton's GMPTA spokesman, Cllr Nick Peel, said: "Travel is a part of everyday life and the ability to travel is something that most people take for granted.

"However, for some, independent travel can be a real challenge.

"I'm delighted we can provide money for travel training schemes across Greater Manchester, including this money to BAND.

"I hope many more people will be able to make bus, train and tram journeys confidently, safely and by themselves as a result of this funding."

Further details about the grants available to voluntary organisations to set up travel training schemes can be found on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive website at www.gmpte.com