A CENTURY'S contribution by Jewish people to the life of Prestwich has been recognised nationally.

And the community's achievements and influences are also to be taken into other parts of the borough.

Bury's library service is one of only five winners of a British History Programme award through the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund.

The £16,000 grant will buy more books for the Jewish collection at Prestwich library. It will also help to produce a CD-ROM for schools, possibly a dedicated website, and a roadshow to go into the wider community.

Councillor Siobhan Costello, arts and culture spokesman, said: "The Jewish influence in Prestwich and the surrounding area has made a significant contribution to community life.

"Years ago, we established a collection of Jewish books at the library and they have been well used. We felt the time had come to expand this, broaden its appeal and disseminate that information to a wider audience across the borough.

"We believe that our scheme will have something for all ages and will help to create an appreciation of different cultures by showing how one distinctive group became an integral part of British life."

Arts minister Tessa Blackstone, announcing the award winners, said: "I am pleased to see that the projects specifically aim to raise awareness of local history among school children. Such an understanding can foster a greater sense of identity and community among young people."