ENVIRONMENT education for schools and community 'green' groups in Bury has been given a significant boost.

It comes with the official opening of the new Pilsworth Environment Education Centre, located at the Pilsworth Power Plant which is part of Viridor Waste Management's landfill site.

The centre is being managed by Groundwork Bury and a range of activities covering a number of environmental issues, such as waste, heritage, aggregates and alternative energy, will be on offer to local schools and community groups.

Geoff Higginbottom, chairman of the Environmental Forum said: "Educating the public, especially young people, in environmental issues, particularly the 'reduce, re-use, recycle' message, is important for all our futures.

"We hope to develop a strong working relationship with Groundwork Bury and the education centre in order to promote environment-friendly actions."

Groundwork Bury has been able to create the new environmental education facility through the Defra Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, and funding from Viridor Credits and Bury Council.

Viridor's grant comes via the company's credits environmental scheme which allows waste management companies to divert six per cent of their landfill tax obligations towards environmental and community-based projects within ten miles of an active landfill site.