BURY College and Bolton College will become part of the University of Bolton after proposals to merge the three establishments were approved.

Both colleges will transfer their property rights to the university with the dissolution of both taking place in the near future.

Bill Webster, Assistant Vice Chancellor of the university will take over some duties from Principal Charlie Deane of Bury College, who has been given a new role as chief executive.

Bosses at Bury College say these are only secondments as Mr Deane oversees the "incorporation of the colleges into the university group".

The merger is part of a radical shake-up of post-16 education to achieve "great efficiency",

Under the plans, Bolton and Bury Colleges would retain their identities.

Charlie Deane, Principal, Bury College, said: "Following a rigorous review of stakeholder feedback and financial and legal due diligence, the governing body of Bury College has unanimously resolved to proceed with the planned incorporation into the University of Bolton group. This process is now underway."

A university spokesman said: "The university is delighted that the board of governors of each of the colleges have resolved to become part of the University Group.

"Close collaborative working has commenced.

"Governors from each of the respective institutions are joining together as a consequence of the decision.

"Professor G E Holmes DL who is the President and Vice Chancellor of the University was delighted to appoint Mr Charlie Deane as the new Group Chief Executive reporting to Professor Holmes.

"Charlie was, prior to this new role, the Principal of Bury College.

"Bill Webster, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of the university has moved to take over Charlie Deane’s operational responsibilities in Bury. "The Principal of Bolton College is working closely with the university to give effect to a smooth transition.

"The new combined University and Colleges Group, including the University Technical College UTC Bolton, provides education opportunities from the age of 14 through to completion of advanced Doctorate degrees

"This is a great learning platform for the area.

"The University and Colleges Group has over 2300 staff and in excess of 40,000 students.

" This makes the University Group one of the country’s largest education providers."

Professor Holmes said "I am delighted with the progress we have made and this is in no small measure due to the remarkable contribution of the Chairs of the Governing Bodies and the Principals of the Colleges.

"They have shown vision and determination to develop something which is first class for the learner."