IT'S been a ground-breaking year for Groundwork Bury!

That was the buoyant news delivered to more than 300 guests who gathered at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich for the thriving organisation's annual environmental dinner and awards ceremony.

Representatives from business, community organisations and schools attended the event to compete for a clutch of environmental "Oscars" in a number of categories.

In an upbeat message, Groundwork Bury chairman Dennis Taylor described 2003 as a ground-breaking year for the Bury Trust. He added: "Despite being only two years old, already Bury Groundwork is one of the country's most progressive trusts.

"While much of the credit is down to dedicated headquarters staff working with businesses and community groups across the borough, the thing that sets it apart is the strong commitment of funding partners, in particular Government Office North West, North West Development Agency, Manchester Airport, Business Link and Bury Council."

Mr Taylor, former chief executive of the local authority, paid tribute to council leader John Byrne, his deputy Coun Wayne Campbell and Coun Derek Boden, who he said "have always kept the environment high on the council's agenda".

Guests heard fulsome praise for outgoing Groundwork Bury managing director Mike Kinsella and a warm welcome was offered to new incumbent Paul Haunch.

Other guests were Bury South MP and education minister Ivan Lewis, Euro MP Gary Titley and mayor and mayoress Coun Wilf and Mrs Maureen Davison.

The evening was compered by broadcaster Norman Prince.

Award winners.

Health, Safety and Environment Management. Winner: A & E Threads. Highly commended: Chadwicks, Early Break, P & S Textiles.

Energy, Water and Waste Management. Winner: Swintex. Highly commended: John Spencer (Hazelhurst) Ltd, Thomas French Ltd, Thumbs Up (Bury) Ltd.

Buildings, Security, Structures and Landscape Improvements. Winner: Academy Fleet Services. Highly commended: Cocklestorm Fencing, Loumo Properties, Thumbs Up (Bury) Ltd, Rivers Housing.

Outstanding Individual of the Year (Business). Winner: Warren Bowes (Warren Bowes Ltd). Highly commended: T Baxter (P & S Textiles), G Swinnerton (SB Recycling Ltd), P Owen (Thomas French Ltd).

Community Environmental Projects. Winner: Peel Brow Garden Comp. Highly commended: Elms TRA, Walmersley Road TRA, Wash Lane Arts Project.

Schools Environmental Projects. Winner: St Thomas's primary school. Highly commended: Philips High School, St Joseph's primary school, Whitefield CP school, Elms Bank High School.

Outstanding Individual of the Year (Community). Winner: Jayne Leary. Highly commended: Cecil Young, Florence Lyons, Louis Hough.

Public Sector Initiative. Winner: Bury MBC Parks Refurbishment Programme. Highly commended: Bury MBC Energy Show House, Bury MBC Social Services Horticultural Outreach, Bury MBC Green Apple.

Chairman's Award: Mike Kinsella.