A PLEDGE to improve the ailing health of Bolton's population has been signed by borough health bosses.

The manifesto for improving health services in the town, entitled Better Health for Bolton, was officially launched at an event at the Reebok Stadium.

Falling life expectancy, chronic heart and liver disease, and high rates of cancer have prompted health chiefs to draw up the action plan.

Tim Evans, interim chief executive for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "I see this manifesto as a real challenge because it sets out 71 promises, but I'm optimistic that they can be achieved.

"Things have already come a long way in the last five years, but we can't rest on our laurels, we must keep pushing ahead and that's what this is about."

Among the promises are plans to improve the lifestyles of people in Bolton's most deprived areas, reduce smoking, improve early detection of cancer, reduce obesity and improve dental health by lobbying for fluoride to be added to the water.

Access to GPs' surgeries will be improved, there will be better health centres and more help for those involved in substance abuse.

The Primary Care Trust will also develop care in the community to keep people out of hospital, provide children's nursing and therapy services closer to home and increase the breast feeding rate.

Teenagers will see an improvement in emotional and sexual health services and work will be done to reduce teenage pregnancy.

Older people will be encouraged to take part in exercise and more will be done to ensure those with long-term conditions, such as lung disease, are cared for in their own homes.

Another aim is to offer more support for carers.