THREE Glasgow colleges have moved a step closer to merging under the Scottish Government's reforms of the sector.

The chairs of the boards of management of John Wheatley, North Glasgow and Stow colleges have now signed a partnership agreement. It is expected the colleges will formally merge in August after a consultation with staff and students.

A spokesman for the three colleges said: "We are pleased to have reached this accord and are keen to progress the merger of our three great colleges into a first-class learning organisation."