POINTS of view made prizes for mother-of-four Janice Birch for speaking up about her neighbourhood.

She lives in Birks Drive in Brandlesholme and won £50 for answering a questionnaire concerning the new Families with Friends project.

The survey asked about crime, housing and local services and will be used to identify the needs of young families.

Janice received her prize from Councillor Bob Bibby, chairman of Bury West area board, and project manager Lynne De Nobrega who will present an update on the scheme at a future board meeting.

A three-year pilot project, Families with Friends is one of only three such schemes in the country. Previous FwF projects have included a gardening project in partnership with Festival Manchester; a trip to Blackpool with families from Brandlesholme; confidential one-to-one advice and support; computer courses; drop-in sessions with New Deal; working with the youth service and police to provide facilities for young people.

FwF is also working to get a resident and tenant group for the Brandlesholme estate. For more information, contact Lynne De Nobrega on 253 6843 or John Slater on 253 6845.