THE community spirit is being well and truly fostered on two Bury estates.

And it's thanks to friendships which are being forged by officials of the town's Topping Fold and Fairfield Tenants and Residents' Association.

The association, which was established last October, has now launched a weekly over-50s coffee and bingo morning.

And shortly, a gardening club scheme to aid the elderly and the infirm will get under way.

Earlier, Topping Fold and Fairfield Tenants and Residents' Association received a £3,600 community development grant from Bury Council.

The money has helped pave the way for the over-50s coffee and bingo mornings which will be held each Wednesday between 10am and noon. More than 30 local people attended the launch, held at the Wall Project premises on Topping Fold Road.

Association treasurer Mr Malcolm Hulton said: "These mornings will allow members of the community, particularly the elderly, to get out and to meet other people.

"And the gardening club, which has more than 15 volunteers, means we can start tidying up the estates, helping those who can't tend their own gardens," added Mr Hulton.

He is pictured pouring a "cuppa" for ward councillor Mike Connolly (centre) and Single Regeneration Budget chairman Louis Hough (right), as members look on.

The local authority grant has enabled the association to set up both projects. Raffles and other fund-raising activities will enable members to continue the schemes.

Around 200 of the 600 households within the area are currently members of the association.