STEAM, water and wildlife are expected to highlight Bury as Britain heads towards the 21st century. Three separate submissions from the Borough are among the eleven so far accepted for the Tidy Britain Group's Millennium Marque award scheme.

Eventually the aim is to list around 2,000 places of environmental excellence for the year 2,000.

Already the East Lancashire Railway project, Burrs Country Park and the Whitefield Nature trail have been nominated.

And they're among the first 100 projects in the country to have been accepted.

Said Julie Higson, chairwoman of Bury Metro's development services committee: "We are really delighted.

"A lot is happening in the Metropolitan Borough of Bury and our nominations underline that fact. All three projects have produced a very positive effect for local people and have been greatly appreciated.

"The East lancashire Railway has been a fantastic combined effort for everyone involved.

"The Council has played a significant part, as have counterparts in Rossendale. Volunteers and preservation enthusiasts have also worked hard to ensure that the original dream has become reality.

"Currently the ELR operates between Bury and Rawtenstall and soon there will be an extension to Heywood.

"Again, Burrs Country Park is a co-operative effort which has involved the Council working with officials of Bury Canoe and Kayak Club. Finally Whitefield Nature Trail shows what can be done with a section of disused railway."

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