MEMBERS of Bury's Walnut Avenue Allotment Association are digging for victory after being nominated for a national award.

The pioneering project has been entered for a Government award scheme for creating the North West's first horticulture training and resource centre at the heart of Bury's East ward.

The council has now put them in the frame for the Urban Renaissance Awards, run by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. The accolades will highlight work being undertaken to make towns and cities more pleasant places to live in.

Blossoming projects at Walnut Avenue include horticulture training for adults with learning disabilities and link-ups with nearby primary schools. Bonfires and open days have been held there, with more planned for the summer.

The ground is also being prepared for a community garden.

A large community building was constructed at the site and new accommodation for a Bury Horticultural Society trading store has been erected.

Mr Kevin Flood, association chairman, said: "I don't think that we would have been entered for the award if the council did not think it was worthwhile. What we have done ties in well with what the awards are about.

"This will help us to emphasise that this resource is here, and that we are looking for more people to come together and use it."

Initiative co-ordinator David Fowler, who made the nomination, said: "The commitment shown by the dedicated volunteers and local residents at Walnut Avenue is tremendous."

Results will be announced in October.