Hundreds more people have been issued blue parking badges in Bolton, the latest figures reveal.

The scheme, which allows people with disabilities to park closer to where they need to be, was recently extended to include those with hidden illnesses, such as learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

Data gathered from the Department for Transport showed that there are currently 15,638 Blue Badge holders in Bolton last year.

That was up by 7 per cent from the 14,660 owned in 2018-19.

It reflected the picture across England, where 2.4 million Blue Badges were held in the year to March – a 7 per cent increase on the previous year.

People with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and other hidden impairments are now able to apply for a badge after the scheme was updated in August 2019.