Greater Manchester could be the UK’s next boom area following the launch of an economic development plan to create up to 160,000 jobs.

Daniel Dobson-Mouawad, the area’s new director of economic development, believes that the project will help narrow the gap between London and the south-east.

The economic plan has been hatched by the 10 local authorities and includes detailed targets for the creation of new jobs, new businesses, education and improvement in skills.

The area’s economy has been growing faster than the UK average since 2000.