BURY'S reputation for being at the forefront of developing services for carers has received international recognition.

The borough welcomed Leena Laine from Finland who chose Bury for a study tour.

Leena, from the Finnish Association of Carers, made a number of visits throughout the borough and also met Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

Ms Sandra Leventon, who has played a major role in caring services in the borough for many years, acted as host during the Finnish woman's visit through her Carers Information Consultancy organisation.

Ms Leventon is a local member of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a condition from which she suffers.

She said: "Leena selected Bury for her study tour, looking at services for carers - family and friends, caring for someone who is ill, disabled or elderly.

"Bury Council has been at the forefront of developing services for carers for a number of years."

During her study tour, Leena visited the information resources centre, Bury Carers Helpline and Bury Carers Partnership as well as meeting Irene Sergeant, the council's borough carers development worker.

She was able to gain an insight into existing projects as well as being briefed about plans for future developments.

Leena also met MP Ivan Lewis and local Euro MP Gary Titley when she travelled to Heaton Park with Ms Leventon and other members of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The association set up a display and collection point outside the Sainsbury's store at Heaton Park.

Mr Lewis was presented with two Teletubbies for his two sons. These were made by Mary Johnson, who is also a member of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Our pictures shows (from left): Leena Laine from the Finnish Association of Carers; Ivan Lewis MP; Ms Sandra Leventon; Mrs Barbara Tew, Manchester and District branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association chairman; and Gary Titley, Greater Manchester West MEP.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.