BOLTON Council has received an environmental award at a ceremony in London.

Deputy Leader Guy Harkin picked up the authority's trophy for best first-time report in the Environmental Reports category of the Awards given by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for Sustainability Reporting in the UK.

Nine winning organisations received their prizes from Michael Meacher, Minister for the Environment, and Lawrie Quinn, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Douglas Alexander MP, Minister for Corporate Social Responsibility. Mr Meacher said: "To survive and prosper in competitive international markets, companies must get to grips with environmental issues. The best businesses are now increasing their economic output while using less energy, material or land.

"Others need to follow their lead. They also need to broaden their management to include all aspects of corporate performance, including the social and environmental alongside economic concerns."

WELL DONE: Cllr Guy Harkin, right, receives the award from Mr Meacher