Parklife and Warehouse Project boss Sacha Lord has been appointed as Greater Manchester's first 'night tsar'.

The festival and nightclub mogul will act as an official champion for the region's nightlife - and identify 'what's missing' - as well as trying to make nights out in the region safer and providing better transport.

It sees Manchester follow in the footsteps of London, Berlin and Amsterdam in having a full time adviser on the night time economy.

Working with a panel of experts from across the region, he will draw up plans to make it stronger, safer and better-connected for people enjoying a night out.

Sacha said: “I’ll be taking a look at what is missing from our night-time economy, what we need to improve on and developing what is working well."

He said he would be working with 'listening to key voices across Greater Manchester' and drawing up a list of targets - announced in the coming months.

“The night-time economy is the fifth biggest industry in the country, employing more than 8% of the UK’s workforce and here in Greater Manchester, we have always recognised its importance." he said.

“Drawing on my 25 years’ experience in the sector, along with comments and opinions from all 10 boroughs and members of the panel, I'm looking forward to getting to work and helping to build on Greater Manchester’s night-time economy.”

The appointment was announced by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham at a press conference at The Clarence pub in Bury - the only town in the region with Purple Flag status, marking it out as a safe and enjoyable place for a night out.

Burnham said: “By appointing a night-time economy adviser and panel, I want us to build on our strong reputation to make it even better - for residents, visitors and those who work in the sector.

“Sacha brings with him a wealth of experience. He’s a real Greater Manchester success story and I’m thrilled that he’s joining us as our first-ever night-time adviser."

The plans tie in with Burnham's promise to regenerate 'left behind' parts of the region through his Town Centre Challenge.

He added: "Improving the night-time economy across our city-region isn’t just about bars and clubs – it’s about ensuring our towns and cities have a diverse and appealing offer across Greater Manchester which can play to our local strengths, and improving transport links to ensure our towns and cities are better connected places that people can enjoy day and night."

Sacha's appointment follows calls from the Night Time Industries Association for such a role to be created in Manchester, following in the footsteps of cities like London, Berlin and Amsterdam.

The night time economy panel supporting him will be drawn from local businesses, councils, communities and public services including transport, policing, health and social care.