A PRESTIGIOUS environmental award has been won by Bolton Council after beating off more than 180 competitors.

The Green Apple Awards reward good environmental practice.

Bolton was successful as the first authority to sign up to the MACC2 initiative -- Making a Corporate Commitment -- and for its environmental strategy which sets targets for waste and energy reduction, alternative fuels and green transport.

Cllr Guy Harkin, executive member for environment, said: "We are bringing down emissions and raising recycling rates with a mixture of new technology and careful planning."

The MACC2 scheme, set up by the Government, sets targets for reducing greenhouses gases and other emissions and to reduce, recycle and recover waste.

For further information on MACC2 and the Environmental Strategy, call John Eley on 336655.