Manchester looks set to become a world leader when it comes to genetics and stem cell treatment.

A £35 million Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is to be created on Oxford Road by Central Manchester Hospitals.

The centre, which is likely to lead to jobs and commercial opportunities in the city, has already attracted scientists who are leaders in their respective fields.

Health secretary Alan Johnson said: "The new Biomedical Research Centre in Manchester will strengthen our drive to put the UK at the forefront of vital health research.

"The investment the government is making in this new centre will also provide a major boost to innovation and economic development in Manchester and the northwest."

The BRC, which has won funding from the North West Development Agency, will also get £7.5 million from the Department of Health over the next four years.

Others BRCs in England are located in Oxford, Cambridge and London. The centres are part of a government initiative to make the UK a global leader in research, as well as healthcare education and training.