IT will soon be "green" for go for ambitious environmental groups in Bury who want to make a difference to their community.

For funds are being allocated to councils across Greater Manchester to enable groups to launch their own projects.

The continuing success of the "Greening Greater Manchester" grants scheme means that the next round will see £500,000 being made available to community and environmental groups across the county.

And that spells good news for green-conscious people in Bury who may require cash to get their own initiatives up-and-running.

The scheme was launched in 1998 to support local environmental projects. It is run through a partnership between landfill providers Biffa Waste Services and Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

Biffa Waste commits 20 per cent of its landfill tax liability to fund projects that aim to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill, improve community facilities and be of lasting environmental benefit.

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, Councillor Neil Swannick said: "Since 1998, the scheme has allocated £3 million that has been used to support more than 300 community projects that have greatly benefited the local environment.

"I am confident that this scheme will continue to support recycling and environmental improvement projects that provide woodlands, wildlife habitats and green spaces for the benefit of local people across Greater Manchester for many years to come."

Landfill director of Biffa Waste Services, Robin Tweedale said: "Greening Greater Manchester is a good example of how landfill tax can be used to make a real difference to our communities. The scheme is an excellent example of how partnership working can bring lasting benefits to local people and the local environment."

The local councils in Greater Manchester will be allocating funds under the scheme and details can be obtained from local authority offices.