BURY and Rochdale has been allocated the largest chunk of a £1.2 million package for 21 extra secure beds in mental health units across the North West region.

Bury and Rochdale Health Authority - responsible for buying local health care - will receive a £149,590 cash boost after making a successful bid to the Mental Health Modernisation Fund .

Health minister John Denham announced the allocation earlier this week as part of a £14.5 million nationwide project.

Mr Denham said the cash is to help increase and improve care for patients whose behaviour has prevented them from being treated in a local unit or in the community.

A health authority spokesman said: "We welcome any extra resources into the system to help cope with the pressures in the area and help improve the services."

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