ANDY Burnham addressed hundreds of people at the Bolton Methodist Mission at Victoria Hall.

The Greater Manchester Mayor was a guest at the Bolton and Rochdale autumn synod, which was held jointly on Saturday with the Manchester and Stockport Methodist district.

More than 400 voting members listened to the former minister speak on his goals for helping the region’s poor.

He said he felt that some places in the North West feel ‘abandoned and left behind’

Mr Burnham also spoke about the Manchester Arena attack, ahead of the venue’s re-opening this weekend, and changes he has made to public transport for 16 to 18-year-olds.

A new smartcard, launched this week for the start of the new school year, allows 16 to 18-year-olds to enjoy half-price bus travel, designed to help provide easier access to education and training.

The Rev Paul Martin, district chair for Bolton and Rochdale, said to Mr Burnham: “If your heart is right as my heart is right give me your hand.”