A NEW A-Z of how to organise a community event safely and properly has been launched in Bury.

The Events Guidance document is packed with information covering everything from a basic checklist to event risk assessment, safety, useful telephone numbers, advice about staging fireworks and bonfires, how to get licensed and even making a public notice.

The guide has been put together by Greater Manchester Police and Bury Council with support from a range of outside organisations. Because of the nature of the advice and information -- and the fact that it is constantly being up-dated -- it has been published on the council's website www.bury.gov.uk, where it can be regularly updated.

Chief Inspector David Wolfe said: "Within our communities, many events are held each year. The majority of these pass without incident but on occasion problems do occur which can have serious implications for the organiser and organising body.

"This new document will ensure event organisers recognise the responsibility of arranging events and to remind them of the steps they need to take to minimise risks.

"The aim is certainly not to deter people from organising events; instead we hope that it will provide the kind of information that gives confidence to event organisers."

Bury Metro's leisure services manager Graham Atkinson added: "Events come in many different sizes, and cover a wide range of activities.

"It may be a small community fete or a large music festival. Whatever the size, they have common issues including planning, organisation, safety, insurance, contingency planning and publicity. Now organisers can have all the help they need."

As well as producing the guidance document, Bury has now also set up its own Events Advisory Group which will meet on a regular basis and perhaps offer advice to event organisers.