BOLTON has officially become a green town after winning three top environmental awards.

The town -- which is currently bidding for city status -- was praised for its efforts in reducing pollution and raising recycling rates.

It competed against 180 local authorities in the Green Apple Awards 2001 and became the metropolitan borough council national winner, England national winner and British champion.

Bolton was successful due to its corporate environmental strategy.

It set out to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent over the next five years, cut energy and water consumption by 10pc and recycle 22pc of household waste.

Cllr Guy Harkin, executive member for environment, said: "I'm delighted we won the awards. We are bringing down emissions and raising recycling rates with a mixture of new technology and careful planning."

The town signed up to the MACC2 initiative (Making a Corporate Commitment) which sets targets for reducing greenhouse gases and waste.

Each year, the council generates more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from energy use and it uses enough water in its many buildings to fill the Water Place pool 1,145 times.

It produces as much waste as 3,600 households.