A SPECIAL co-ordinator is to be appointed to ensure that school trips run safely and smoothly.

The Bury Council officer will offer advice to schools and monitor the quality of arrangements.

All establishments which organise educational trips and outdoor pursuits will be expected to nominate a co-ordinator to approve proposed activities, and to carry out risk assessments.

Councillor Maggie Gibb, the council's executive member for lifelong learning, said: "This is an important step, to strike the balance between encouraging valuable out-of-school experiences and ensuring they are run as safely as possible."