IRWELL Valley Housing Association has decided to become the first sponsor of the Groundwork Trust in Bury.

The Trust was set up in April last year as an environmental charity to assist all sections of society to improve the local environment through working with businesses, schools, youth, underprivileged, community groups and the unemployed.

Dennis Taylor, chairman of Groundwork Bury, said the Trust had an excellent start in its first year of involving many people from all sections of society in environmental improvements.

He said: "Our business plan for 2003/04 is ambitious and seeks to deliver even more benefit to our local community, particularly those situated in areas where the environment has significant opportunity for improvement.

"To achieve this, it is necessary to draw in funds from potential sponsors and we are absolutely delighted that Irwell Valley Housing Association has seen fit to support our work for the local community."

The Association says it is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Groundwork Trust in Bury.

John Fedden, project manager for Irwell Valley, confirmed that both organisations are looking forward to a successful coming year.

He said: "The Trust is considered by the Association to be innovative in tackling difficult challenges, forward thinking in its approach to the environment and has a great team in place to deliver quality projects in a professional manner.

"This new partnership of two key regeneration organisations has been as a direct result of the East Bury Initiative which is bringing all sectors of society together for the improvements of the area."

He added: "The aims and objectives of the Association and the Trust are similar. The Association seeks to improve the quality of life of residents by improving the environment where possible by innovative design and specification of its homes and by working with local schools and supporting community groups to create sustainable communities."