MILLENNIUM celebrations in a Bolton village will look LARGER than anywhere else - after a telescope is installed.

Villagers in Affetside are putting in the telescope as part of their plans to build a Millennium green.

The telescope will point out across Bolton from the vantage point in the village which sits 1,000 feet up in the moors above Harwood and Bradshaw.

And the organisers of the green were celebrating after being honoured by environment minister Michael Meacher at a ceremony in Bury town hall.

Their Millennium green project scooped a commendation from the minister when they received an award from the Bury Business Environment Association.

The villagers have turned a former bus turning area into an open space, which already has a pond and will eventually include paths, benches made from cut logs and an inscription in stone to mark the Millennium.

The green is built around the famous and historic Affetside Cross.

The cross is thought to date back to the Romans who constructed Watling Street, the ancient road through the village.

Peter Smith, secretary of the Affetside Millennium Green Trust, said: "We have worked hard to raise the money for the green.

"It will be a focal point for our little community.

"And it is hoped it will provide a place for Affetside Primary School to hold outdoor classroom sessions to give them a greater environmental awareness."

The organisers have raised £33,000 but now need a further £5,000 to complete their plans.

Anyone who would like to help can ring Mr Smith on 01204 887126 or contact him on e-mail at road.house@virgin.net.

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