LOCAL community champions are on their way to the Commonwealth Games thanks to their hard work.

Nine residents' and tenants' groups in Whitefield, Prestwich and Radcliffe have been rewarded with tickets for the Manchester sporting spectacular.

They were nominated by Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, for the Community Champions scheme launched by Games sponsors United Utilities.

The nine groups comprise: Bolton Road Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) in Radcliffe; TRAs on the Elms and Victoria estates in Whitefield; and Prestwich groups Rainsough TRA, Hastings Road TRA, Polefield Action Group, and Tulle/Sherbourne/Warwick Street TRA.

Also champions were Ainsworth Community Association and Simister Village Community Association.

Mr Lewis said: "The nine groups are true community champions because of their special commitment to improving the quality of life for those living in their neighbourhoods.

"I was proud to nominate them for this award because they represent all that is best about our community. I am delighted that the judges have seen fit to recognise the work they are doing to make their communities better."

Mrs Sue Collinge, vice chairman of the Rainsough TRA, said: "It is nice to be recognised like this. Myself and the other members of the committee were absolutely bowled over by it."

And Mr John Roberts, United Utilities chief executive, said: "The award is our way of saying a big thank you to those local heroes whose work often goes unrecognised. We had some fantastic nominations and were truly humbled and amazed at how far people will go to help others."