BUS services throughout Greater Manchester are in line for a huge shake-up.

The move by the county's biggest bus operators, First Manchester, will come into force on Sunday (Feb 25).

Extensive service changes will be implemented as a result of a wide consultation process undertaken by the company.

The changes include the alteration of existing routes and the introduction of new ones, more frequent services on certain routes and the upgrading of more routes to First Manchester's top quality Gold service.

Some services with low usage have been withdrawn. But Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is giving consideration to tendered (supported) services in areas where it is no longer commercially viable to run buses.

A series of six guides, including one for Bury, has been produced by First Manchester and these are available on buses and from local travel shops.

The guides also provide details of First Manchester's range of low cost tickets.

Russell Gard, First Manchester's commercial director, said: "The changes embrace what many of our customers said during the consultation process held before Christmas.

"Many passengers will benefit significantly, although it is inevitable that in order to improve busy services, some services with low usage will suffer."

He concluded: "In as many cases as possible, services have been re-routed to fill any gaps and few people will be inconvenienced."