A LOCAL MP has been given a new role at the Department for Education.

Mr Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, who is minister for young people and adult skills, has been given the responsibility of looking after work-related learning, enterprise and skills by Education Secretary Charles Clarke.

Mr Lewis said: "I will be helping to create links between the world of work and the world of education." He hopes employers will become more involved in schools, offering youngsters more work experience.

Teachers will also spend some time in industry, under his plans.