I WANT to express our gratitude and thanks to the many people who helped make our annual dinner and awards event such a success on Thursday, Dec 7.

The fantastic support of more than 360 people from all sectors of society in Bury, including businesses, communities, schools and individuals, was very impressive. They attended a packed Longfield Suite where we were extremely well catered for to celebrate environmental achievements right across the borough.

I would like to pay tribute to certain individuals, beginning with the chief executive of Bury MBC, Mr Dennis Taylor. Apart from helping with the arrangements, he gave a powerful address and his contribution in the awards ceremony was delivered expertly. Without his help this event would not have been possible. In my view the MP for Bury North, Mr David Chaytor, continually demonstrates his genuine, caring nature for what goes on in Bury, not just on this occasion but throughout the year. At the last minute we were faced with the news that our keynote speaker, Dr Alan Knight OBE, could not attend and David, in his usual helpful manner, offered to step in to avert what could have been an embarrassing situation. He also presented awards and certificates which were personally signed by the Rt Hon. Michael Meacher MP, Minister for the Environment.

Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, gave us tremendous support and, in his role as parliamentary private secretary to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, he gave a superb address linking the business case and the environment imperatives existing today to provide a healthy, green and competitive commercial base in our town.

What is so rewarding and refreshing about the people with influence in this town is that there seems to be a wholehearted and genuine backing for the environmental movement and this was extremely evident by the presence of the mayor, the council leadership and many councillors.

Congratulations to all the businesses, groups and individuals who are seizing the environmental challenge and putting in place measures which help make Bury a greener, cleaner, brighter borough.

MIKE KINSELLA,

manager,

BEA.