BURY has received one of the largest cash boosts in the country to tackle homelessness.

The Government grant, £375,000 for each of the next two years, is the highest in the North West after Manchester, and the seventh biggest outside London.

The announcement follows last month's visit to Bury by representatives of the Homeless Directorate, and an assessment of the council's past performance in tackling homelessness with voluntary sector partners.

The cash is likely to be spent on seven projects already funded by the directorate, designed to look at the wider picture of homelessness, its causes and solutions. These include support workers for old people, a furniture store and handyman scheme, a bond scheme for private landlords, and help for battered women.

Also funded are workers to support young people and help with their education.

Ms Eleni Ioannides, the council's director of health, housing and social services, said: "This allocation clearly demonstrates how highly the Government regards homelessness services in Bury.

"When most councils of Bury's size have been given £10,000 to £20,000, we have £375,000 because we are seen as a council which can, and has, delivered in this area."