LEYLAND has been chosen as the home for a new branch of the world's largest environmental group as part of its 40th birthday celebrations.

The UK arm of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) -- formerly the Worldwide Fund for Nature -- celebrates its birthday this year and has chosen Leyland and Chorley as the best area for the latest volunteer group.

It will become one of more than 200 local groups in existence around the UK carrying out a variety of activities.

Jim Forshaw, North West regional organiser for the WWF, said: "I was looking at a map and I noticed we have groups in Bolton and Rochdale. Putting one in Chorley creates a nice network so they can all work together."

Already the group is planning to repeat a fund-raising walk at Marton Mere, in Burscough, near Southport, which last year proved a great success. Other plans may stem from volunteers' suggestions put forward at the launch of the group at Chorley Central Library in Union Street, last night (Wednesday).

Councillor Howard Gore, cabinet member for community services at South Ribble Borough Council, said: "I am delighted. I look forward to the WWF forming a friutful partnership with South Ribble Borough Council."