A company providing services to more than 300 schools has been launched by two councils in the north-west.

Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester councils say Edsential, a jointly owned community interest company, will offer a 'comprehensive range of high quality, innovative, tailor-made services' to schools in both boroughs.

They will include music services, outdoor education, support for governors, catering, cleaning, learning outside the classroom and school development.

About 1,200 staff who worked at the two councils will now be employed by Edsential which will have a turnover of more than £20m.

Ian McGrady, managing director of Edsential, said: 'Our mission is to improve outcomes for children and young people.

'We will reinvest in children and young people and build upon the proud track record for delivering education services that staff in both councils delivered up until now.'