THEY'VE got the MIDAS touch! That's the Manchester Investment and Development Agency Services (MIDAS) which has reported that the partnership organisation helped get record-breaking investment for the financial year 2003/4 with figures reaching £69.75 million.

That is more than three times the original target of £22 million.

The organisation, which provides free advice and support for businesses looking to relocate to or expand in Greater Manchester, said a total of 4,603 jobs were created or safeguarded as a result.

Bury Council is among local authorities which has a link with the agency.

The year-end figures show that MIDAS handled more than 1,400 inquiries from prospective investing businesses and helped 109 to relocate or expand.

MIDAS chief executive Neil Fountain hailed the investment total -- a significant increase on the £54 million for the previous year -- as a massive achievement.