The Bolton Evening News triumphed where the national hacks failed when education secretary Ruth Kelly exclusively told the paper that she would not be resigning.

The media pack had their sights set on the MP for Bolton West after the controversy over sex offenders working in schools.

But apart from a statement in the Commons, she had quickly brushed aside waiting journalists eager to know if she was going to quit her post.

But persistence paid off for Evening News journalist Saiqa Chaudhari when she managed to grab a phone call with the MP, who is not always contactable due to her high profile role.

Late duty reporter Saiqa contacted Ruth's husband on his mobile and explained that she would like to speak to the education secretary, and he said he would contact his wife and ask her to phone Saiqa.

An hour and half later at 9.30pm, when Saiqa admits she had given up hope, Ruth phoned Saiqa and told her she had not intention of quitting and that child protection was a priority and it was vital that the public had confidence in schools.

The interview gave Saiqa her the exclusive which made pages 1, 2 and 3.

The following day, the MP was on an official visit to the hospital in Bolton, and she spoke to Health Reporter Jane Lavender and writer Angela Kelly.

She also gave her support to the paper's campaign which is pressing for the hospital to become a super maternity centre.