RADCLIFFE has been chosen to pioneer another national project, this time to help save the environment.

The council is one of just 22 chosen by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) to take part in the "Councils for Climate Protection" campaign.

Bury will now help develop projects which will save energy and the environment, ranging from transport to waste management, planning and education.

The council will also test out new computer software designed to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Bury would pioneer any reductions which are ultimately possible.

Council representatives will travel to London on September 14 for the launch and liaise with the other councils chosen for the 12-month pilot.

Councillor Wayne Campbell, chairman of environment and transport, said Bury had drawn up a strategy for reducing CO2 emissions since signing the Friends of the Earth Climate Resolution two years ago. The council is involved in four local renewable energy projects. The first involves generating electricity from methane at a landfill site in Pilsworth, while the possibilities of hydro-electric power being generated on the River Irwell are being investigated.

A small wind-power turbine has been developed in partnership with BTCV at the Barn Countryside Centre in Prestwich. The Bury Environmental Forum Energy Group has also produced a solar demonstration unit as an educational tool.

"Last year we launched our own Green Homes award scheme to encourage builders and architects to improve energy efficiency," he said. "Also, we are increasing resources dedicated to energy efficiency matters throughout the housing sector, both public and private."

Mr Dennis Taylor, council chief executive, said Bury had built up a track record in pilot projects.

"Our Community Safety Wardens have attracted widespread attention and been the blueprint for many others to follow," he said. "In relation to local government democracy, we served as a test bed for electronic voting this year and that could have far-reaching national implications."