Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has announced a joint venture with two further education colleges to offer courses for those working in the fashion and textiles industry.

The university's department of clothing design and technology will join forces with Liverpool Community College and Wigan and Leigh College.

From June, they will run a series of short courses for technicians and managers already working in fashion, clothing technology and related professions.

MMU principal lecturer Angela Peers said: "The courses may be delivered at the three partner institutions or on company premises, in the evening, or in one or three-day block mode.

"We know what industry wants and we look forward to building on existing relationships to make this new partnership a success."

The announcement comes after plans to create a £125 million textile manufacturing hub at Westwood Park in Wigan were agreed by the borough council and Chinese trade representatives.

Under the terms of the deal, numerous Chinese companies will set up European headquarters on the 55-acre site, which will be the largest clothing and textile industry hub in Europe.