TOWN Hall bosses have finally been recognised for their councillor training schemes after five years and two attempts.

The council has gained a Charter Mark, which members picked up at a ceremony on Friday at The Lowry.

It is the culmination of efforts by an all-party working group which has met since 2000.

Since then the authority has adopted a 'cabinet' style of decision-making, set up area boards, held various forward-planning events, and moved from a 'weak' to 'good' rating in two years. Bury was also the most improved council in 2003, and has won eight Green Flag awards for parks, along with the large town category in the North West in Bloom competition for the last two years.

Councillor Trevor Holt, lead member for member training and development, said: "We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of the working group has finally paid off and feel that it has been a worthwhile investment of time, effort and money."