BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has been given a new ministerial job by his bosses in Government.

Mr Lewis is the new junior minister for adult learning in the department for education and skills.

It's a sideways move for the Labour man, who was made junior minister for young people and learning last year following his re-election. He takes over from John Healey, who has been moved to the Treasury.

His responsibilities will range from further education and adult basic skills to overall ICT strategy, community education and such schemes as modern apprenticeships.

Mr Lewis described his new job as "a really big challenge" and one he was looking forward to.

He said it was vital that many more adults were given the chance to improve their skills and take part in learning generally, with the help of colleges such as the "excellent" ones in Bury.