SAVING time and money is the aim of a plan from Bolton and 11 other North West councils which has been approved by the Government.

Instead of each council doing its own thing, the Pathfinder project will see all 12 councils sharing ideas.

They will look at areas of education and social services that are too specialised for each council to provide cost-effectively in their own areas.

It could lead to some services being provided jointly or being bought from another organisation by more than one council.

Expert advice and support from the Government will help the project.

And this project is just the first of many involving all 10 councils in the former Greater Manchester region; Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils; the police; fire and passenger transport authorities.

Future plans will include looking at IT support services, legal services and trading standards.

The results of the projects could be used to help Councils across the country.