BURY Council's deputy leader is one of the signatories of a historic agreement.

Councillor Derek Boden has signed a Concordat on behalf of the North West Regional Assembly (NWRA), of which he is leader.

The NWRA and the Environment Agency have joined forces in a formal agreement outlining how the two organisations will work together.

And the agreement is the first to be signed between a regional assembly and the Environment Agency and cements the close working relationship between the two bodies.

Both have given their backing to a commitment to work together to secure a sustainable future for the region.

Coun Boden said the Assembly was delighted with the formal recognition of what he described as the "close and developing working relationship between our two organisations."

He added: "The Environment Agency has already provided valuable expertise on flood defence, waste and other environmental matters to the regional assembly.

"We have used this to develop our key regional strategies, including action for sustainability and draft regional planning guidance. I look forward to a continuing and fruitful relationship."

Justin McCracken, Environment Agency regional director, said his organisation was able to advise on environmental issues, helping put the environment and sustainability at the heart of its policy programme and work.

"This agreement will see that important work continue," he stressed.