A TELEPHONE hotline has been set up to help individuals and families find a council house.

Bosses hope that the "empty property" service will lead to vacant homes being filled sooner and be matched to the needs of prospective tenants.

Councillor John Smith, housing spokesman, said that properties in some areas were always occupied and had long waiting lists, but in others, accommodation was often available.

"The hotline will be open to all Bury residents who need somewhere to stay, and we believe it will help considerably in filling empty properties around the borough," he said.

There is a wide range of unfurnished homes to let, from one-bedroom flats to three-bed houses, as well as sheltered housing places for applicants aged over 60.

The hotline number is 253 7884.