BOLTON has been given the largest cash handout in the north west in a major injection of funding designed to help people on some of the town's poorest estates.

Nearly £6m will be pumped into the voluntary sector on some of the town's most deprived estates.

The New Opportunities Fund is allocating the town £5,712,127 lottery funding from a total of £40million in the region to give to voluntary groups and organisations who work to improve people's quality of life.

Organisations will be asked to bid for a share of the money to fund projects ranging from youth clubs to homewatch schemes.

Bolton Council's Executive member for Social Inclusion Councillor Frank White said it is great news for the town.

He said: "This money will be a welcome boost to communities across the borough.

"We hope it will encourage more voluntary groups to apply for their share and help their local communities."

Wigan gained landed the second highest handout with £5,448, 771.

To find out more about the grant awards and how to apply see the New Opportunities Fund Website at www.nof.org.uk or the Community Fund website at www.communityfund.org.uk.