BURY and Rochdale Health Authority officials toasted the end of an era at a farewell reception.

The health authority will disband on April 1 and be replaced with Primary Care Trusts covering Bury and Rochdale.

The chairman of Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, Alan Maden, held a reception for members, staff and representatives from partner agencies.

He said: "I have chaired Bury and Rochdale Health Authority, and its predecessor organisations, since 1994, and have seen many changes during this time. I have enjoyed my time with the health authority very much, and am now looking forward to the challenges that my new role will bring as a non-executive director for Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority."

Key achievements of the health authority included the transfer of hospital services from Bury General to Fairfield Hospital.

Mr Maden added: "During my time at the health authority, there have also been great improvements in partnership working with the local authority and other partners.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment and to wish my colleagues every success in taking these new organisations forward ensuring the people of Bury and Rochdale have access to the best possible healthcare provision."