BOLTON Council's environmental management unit has become the first in the North-west to win a prestigious award.

It has gained an international management standard for its work in protecting the environment.

The unit received the certificate for its efforts in cutting the impact of its activities on the local and global environment.

Cllr Guy Harkin, executive member for the environment, said: "We are committed to providing a high level of service to residents of Bolton.

"One aspect of this is to make sure that what we do doesn't harm the environment."

An environmental review looked at the use of construction materials in road and footpath repairs, noise, dust, cleanliness and heritage, construction waste, energy use in the offices, use of transport, use of paper and office supplies and potential pollution from spillages.

Some of the improvements that have been made include installing an energy efficient heating system in the unit's Milton house offices, recycling 87 per cent of construction waste during April 1999-April 2000 and introducing a kerbside collection scheme to promote household waste recycling.

The unit was externally assessed by an accredited certification body, BVQI.