AN Atherton-based gas pipeline project has won a major safety award.

Engineers building the 40km line across Lancashire and Cheshire have clocked up more than 840,000 working hours with just four time-loss accidents - including two twisted ankles.

The initiatives, including a safety passport, put in place by Transco and contractors McAlpine Preussag, have won a Silver Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

In addition, a number of new safety ideas trialled on the Mawdesley to Warrington pipeline, are being adopted on other Transco pipelines across Britain.

During the peak period of construction last summer, more than 400 people were employed on the project, at site offices in Atherton and numerous locations on the length of the route.

Project manager Peter Johnson, said: "Ensuring a safe working environment for so many people on such a complex project over such a great area has been no mean feat."

Safety manager Roy Smith said: "To have got so far into this project with just four accidents is an incredible achievement, and one of which everyone employed on the project can feel proud." SAFETY FIRST: Roy Smith with a section of the piping