A GOVERNMENT minister will herald the dawn of a new era for adult education in Bolton with the official launch of the town's own "super college" today.

Under Secretary of State for Employment and Equal Opportunities Margaret Hodge, MBE, will be guest of honour at the launch of Bolton Community College.

The new institution has been formed through an amalgamation between Bolton College and Bolton Council's Community Education Service (CES).

The college, which has been touted as a "super college", will have about 1,200 full-time staff and will have an annual turnover of more than £18m.

At the helm will be the current principal of the Manchester Road-based Bolton College Alison Bowes.

A spokesman for the college said of the merger: "Together as a new institution they will provide a comprehensive and vibrant range of quality learning opportunities for the whole adult population of the borough."

Mrs Hodge will first tour the Manchester Road campus before officially launching the community college at noon on Friday.

She will also reveal the college's new corporate identity and mission statement.