ENVIRONMENT minister Michael Meacher will see first hand how Burnley is "going green" when the town hosts a two-day conservation conference later this year.

The council, which boasts "the country's greenest town" award, has linked with the Community Development Foundation to give delegates a view of grass roots environmental action.

Mr Meacher and Chris Church from the United Nations Association will give the keynote speeches at the event, on October 7 and 8.

And instead of sitting in stuffy lecture theatres, the delegates will see how green policies are being put into action.

They can visit a new centre being built from recycled materials by a Burnley enterprise company, see one of the largest wind farms in the country, or berth at a new linear park with outdoor classroom on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, created from dereliction by local people.

There is also a visit to one of the national Going for Green pilot projects in a run-down area of Burnley where staff and volunteers are creating a good gardening scheme for council tenants, a food co-op, "green" playgrounds and an urban farm.

The conference takes place on October 7 and 8. at a cost to delegates of £85 for two days and £55 for one day.

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