LABOUR MP Tony Lloyd has welcomed a '62m boost for health services in his Central Manchester constituency.

The deal announced by Health Secretary Doctor John Reid as part of a '135 billion investment in Primary Care Trusts for the next two years, includes a 26.4 per cent increase in funds for central Manchester.

The minister said he wanted more cash to go to the most deprived areas. Mr Lloyd greeted the funds announcement as exceptionally good news:

"I'm delighted. This is a very good deal for Manchester. We know the city has some of the worst health problems, particularly heart disease, infant mortality and cancer, and this gives us a chance to get ahead of the game." Tweet