Some of the North West's most deprived areas are set to get greener with nearly �12m in lottery cash.

It is the first time grants from the New Opportunities Fund have been earmarked specifically for deprived communities in the region.

The money will be used to improve the likes of footpaths, play areas and community centres to help the areas to become greener and cleaner.

Four projects in Greater Manchester - in Bolton, Oldham, Salford and Rochdale - will receive �1m, while three areas of Lancashire will benefit from �1.25m.

'Excellent news'

Three areas of Lancashire will also share in �1.25m for the work in Burnley, West Lancashire and Blackpool.

A further �1m will be spent on projects in Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

The National Lottery New Opportunities Fund has provided the grants and the government has said it will be followed by other injections of cash in the region.

Councillor Roy Lewis, who's in charge of regeneration on Blackpool Council, told BBC Radio Lancashire it is "excellent news".