BURY is best when it comes to tackling the local environment. Other councils will be green with envy after the local authority beat all-comers for the second year in a row.

The Best in the North West accolade has been given to Bury to mark its hard work and success during BT National Environment Week.

For the second time Bury is the only council in the region to receive an award for Commitment to the Community.

Council leader Derek Boden said the authority had made major inroads into "green" issues over the last twelve months, particularly through the Environmental Forum.

This is a partnership between the council, local businesses and residents dedicated to improving their surroundings.

"This year's Environment Week was all about having fun and it was great to see so many events taking place," said Coun Boden.

"Winning this award underlines the achievement of our staff and all the volunteers in putting together such a mammoth programme."

He added: "We advertised our package of events as the biggest and the best in the North West... probably.

"The presentation of this award justifies us now making that claim without any reservations."

Hundreds of local people took part in dozens of events ranging from bat-watching to grot-spot clean-ups, culminating in an Environment Fair with more than 50 stalls.

Coun Cath Platt, environment sub-committee chairman, said the week introduced many people of all ages to "green" subjects.

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