CREATIVE industries in Bury have been given the European seal of approval.

Local MEP Gary Titley dropped into Bury Arts and Crafts Centre to see the work done by Re:work.

The group has just celebrated its first birthday, and has helped artists and fledgling companies set up in nine units at the Broad Street centre.

The project has been funded by thousands of pounds of European grant aid, so it was apt that Mr Titley, who is Labour's European trade and industry spokesman, should pay a visit.

The Radcliffe-based MEP said: "Too often, local talent has never had an opportunity to flourish. This project is making a difference by giving local people the encouragement and practical assistance they need to make the most of their talent and creating jobs into the bargain."

Among the artists at Bury are Olwyn Maurer, a dancer about to produce her own interactive CD-ROM; photographer Irene Lumley, just back from a Far East trip working with children; and Stephen Booth, whose work has been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and Manchester Academy of Fine Arts.

Also working there are award-winning Bury video company Firewire Media Productions, and the North Gallery, run by Becky Latcham. North is a new art gallery and coffee shop in Prestwich, selling work by artists involved with the Re:work project.