BOLTON is set to become one of a handful of specialist bowel cancer centres in the country.

Huge investment will take place in the screening service, which will be based in the endoscopy unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital and will be used by patients from across Greater Manchester.

The centre, which is due to be operational by January, will be one of around 10 to 14 screening units in Britain.

This will mean extra investment in services at the hospital and state-of-the-art screening equipment.

Dr George Lipscomb, consultant gastroenterologist at the hospital, said: "We're delighted that Bolton has been chosen for this important programme.

"We already have an excellent record in screening for a range of conditions and this will enable us to help many more patients.

"Bowel cancer has been something of a taboo subject in the past some people find it embarrassing to report symptoms. The new programme includes raising awareness as well as providing screening and access to treatment."

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in the country after lung cancer.

Each year, the hospital will be given nearly £750,000 by regional health chiefs to test the most at-risk group, people aged between 60 and 69.

While Bolton has been named by the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority as its preferred choice, it must fulfill certain criteria before it is given the final go-ahead.

Waiting times for the whole endoscopy unit must be reduced from 13 weeks to six and three members of staff must receive specialist training by September.

Dr Lipscomb said: "We've already reduced waiting lists since January from 26 weeks to 13 by putting on extra clinics and making sure all spaces are filled, so the six-week target is achievable."