WORSLEY'S bid to become a World Heritage Site looks set to gain momentum with the appointment of a project officer.

The project manager will oversee the bid for a World Heritage Site at Worsley Delph, through Barton Aquaduct, Castlefield in Manchester and Ancoats -- with a final bid expected to be submitted in 2005.

The project manager, due to be appointed in March will work in partnership with Salford, Manchester and Trafford Councils and English Heritage.

The bid will be made through the Government to UNESCO, who award the special status to sites that add a global dimension to people's understanding of the historic environment.

And if the bid is successful, it would see Worsley rank alongside the Pyramids in Egypt, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Great Wall of China as areas of world importance and bring economic benefits to the local community.

Henry Owen John, the Regional Assistant Director of English Heritage, said: "We're expecting the Worsley bid to be driven forward in March, when a project manager is likely to be appointed."

Worsley was chosen to be part of a bid because of the opening of the Bridgewater Canal in the 1760s, which inspired nine decades of canal building, and led to many canals being built across Europe and North America.

And local councillors and campaigners remain confident that Worsley can become a World Heritage Site.

Cllr Karen Garrido, of Worsley, said: "I think that Worsley has a good chance. The area is considered to be the birthplace of the industrial revolution in Britain and arguably the world.

"Gaining World Heritage Status would not only be prestigious for Worsley, but it would boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the village."

Adrian Dunning, the chairman of the Worsley Civic Trust and Amenity Society, said: "It's a great opportunity for the whole area, from Worsley through to Ancoats. Worsley is area of undoubted historic importance.

"We're working with other community groups in Worsley to try and develop a tourism strategy for the area, and becoming a World Heritage Site would bring more tourists into the village."

What to see in Worsley

Worsley Delph -- Built in 1759, Worsley Delph is an underground canal system, that stretches over 50 miles -- as far as Farnworth. The labyrinth of passages is the reason why Worsley has applied for World Heritage Status.

The Packet house -- a Grade Two listed building, was built in the 1760s. A passenger service started in 1769, where people could buy tickets from the Packet House -- a Tudoresque timbered building. By 1781 there was a daily service running from Worsley to Manchester.

Worsley Courthouse -- The Grade Two listed building was built in 1849, and is still used for private functions.