BURY College has officially joined the country's elite.

However, the top college will temporarily lose the services of a major player in its improved status, as principal Dr Helen Gilchrist has been seconded to help a struggling college.

The Market Street-based college has been accepted into a top-ranked nationwide group which gains accreditation from the Further Education Funding Council.

Only around ten per cent of colleges in the country are considered "outstanding". To be accepted, Bury College had to prove it was financially effective and that standards of students' achievements were consistently excellent over a three-year period.

Dr Gilchrist, who has been principal for almost six years, has now been called upon as a temporary troubleshooter at a college in South Yorkshire facing difficulties. She is being seconded to Barnsley College for five months until September. The college has a large financial deficit and is underperforming.

The secondment has been approved by Bury College Corporation.

Its chairman, Mr Fred Bowen, said: "It is a reflection on the leadership, management and entire staff of Bury College that they are considered perfectly capable of functioning during this period."

Dr Gilchrist said: "It's business as normal as far as the college is concerned. I'll be here at least fortnightly and will return full time in September.

"Although I'm looking forward to the challenges this secondment will bring, Bury College is my home and I'll be back."

Vice-principal Nancy Cookson will take over as acting principal.

She said: "Five months is a short time in further education.

"In that time we will see the start of the construction of a further new building and the introduction of new courses and innovative ways of learning in a range of venues across Bury."

The College Corporation Board is holding its annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 28 at 6pm. It is open to all, including staff, students, potential students, parents, employers and partners in industry, commerce and the community.

For details call 280 8305.