BURY car users are being asked to leave their vehicles at home for a day to celebrate In Town Without My Car!

The day, on Monday, is a Europe-wide campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of less car dependent lifestyles and encourage people to try healthier and 'greener' ways of getting around.

To mark the event locally, the Market Place in Bury will be closed to traffic tomorrow daytime (Saturday Sep 20).

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison, will lead by example by leaving his mayoral limousine at home and arriving in a pedi-cab, or modern rickshaw.

Coun Davison will open tomorrow's event, which runs from 10am to 4pm and boasts a live radio show, street cafe, entertainment and information stalls. There will be a dance display by local youngsters, and you can also have a go at riding the mayor's rickshaw!

Drivers can pick up free bus or train tickets for Monday if they promise to leave their car at home that day. They can be collected from the "exibus" which transport bosses are taking on tour to publicise the campaign. Locally, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), local authorities and the transport operators have arrange a series of events designed to get people out of their cars and on to public transport for the day.