A NEW medical sciences college set to be built in Bolton could save the NHS millions.

Bolton College of Medical Sciences is currently in the planning stage but its creators say it will provide a new route into medical careers and help reduce the NHS' reliance on recruitment agencies.

The group behind the project, including Bolton College and Royal Bolton Hospital, estimates the NHS spends £50 million a year in Greater Manchester on external healthcare recruitment agencies.

Dr Jackie Bene, chief executive of the hospital said: "This innovative new medical sciences college will provide a home grown health workforce for the future. It is a very exciting project."

The curriculum will be jointly delivered by teaching staff at Bolton College, the University of Bolton and NHS professionals including hospital staff.

The plan is to provide learning and training that is both academic and grounded in real-life experience.

If approved the first students are expected in 2022 with a cohort including 1,000 apprenticeships.

The college will help students gain access to NHS jobs like physician associates, advanced practitioners, trainee nurse associates, assistant practitioners, care leadership & management, healthcare science technician and health care support.

Existing hospital staff will also benefit from training at the site.

The plans are expected to appear before councillors at the next planning meeting on June 27.