MORE help for vulnerable youngsters could come to Bury under a pioneering scheme.

Social services bosses are hoping to set up a Children's Trust to co-ordinate a wide range of services.

They aim to be in the "first wave" of pilot authorities approved by the Government which, if so, may mean extra funding. Department heads say that children who need help from social services often need help from other services: too often, however, these services don't work together as well as they should.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for social services, said that children's services needed to be focused across the board.

A trust would help agencies work in partnership to commission and provide services.

Officers say there has been much speculation about the future of children's services following the Victoria Climbie inquiry. A major spending review suggests that work be co-ordinated across social services, health, education, housing and other agencies at local level.

A trust could be based in one borough, or cover a wider area. It may concentrate on one or more services, such as special educational needs, speech therapy, mental health or child protection.

If limited in this way, Bury has decided to focus on services for disabled children.