NEWLY-formed Groundwork Bury has more than shown its "pulling" power to spearhead £3.4 million of vital environmental improvements.

For to celebrate its launch on Wednesday (June 5) , 95 guests enjoyed a meal on board an East Lancs Railway Pullman diner, hauled by a vintage 1935 steam locomotive.

Groundwork patrons, supporters, partners, directors and staff travelled on a leisurely journey from Bury's Bolton Street station to Rawtenstall and back to officially mark the formation of the Trust.

This week's launch climaxed the successful five-year campaign to bring Groundwork Trust status to Bury and to allow the town's thriving Business Environment Association to massively expand its community programme.

Under the key initiative, urban regeneration throughout the borough is set for a £3.4 million boost over the next six years.

At the event, Groundwork chairman Mr Dennis Taylor paid tribute to the borough's two MPs and Bury Council for their help in getting the Trust established.

"The support we have received in securing Trust status has been awesome. Government minister Ivan Lewis and Bury North MP David Chaytor moved mountains in Westminster to secure the green light and council leader John Byrne has been quick to endorse our activities."

Mr Taylor, former chief executive of Bury Council, said the battle for status had been a "long haul".

He added: "It took us five years to try to deliver Groundwork Trust. We had been under the umbrella of Blackburn Groundwork Trust but we were allowed to go on our own earlier this year."

Paying tribute to to the "dedicated support" of MPs and the local authority, Mr Taylor continued: "We are being well supported too by all manner of agencies and lots of businesses. They felt it was their responsibility and duty to promote and support the environment in Bury. And Groundwork also has a wonderful team."

David Chaytor and Labour Euro MP Gary Titley cut a ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday to officially signal the Groundwork launch.

Mr Chaytor told the guests it had been a "long and hard slog" to establish a separate Trust in Bury.

"This will build on the excellent work of the Bury Business Environment Association and I look forward to some innovative and interesting projects in Bury over the next few years."

Mr Titley commented: "The fact we are here tonight is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people.

"It's not just about the environment, but increasing the economic potential of the area and creating jobs. We cannot underestimate the importance of that to Bury."

A work programme for the Trust is already well developed and there are three main targets.

Mr Taylor said: "These will include a continuation of our present work. That is improving competitiveness, image and job retention for businesses in Bury.

"At the same time, we will be looking to boost the number of local physical improvements and neighbourhood renewal projects. The third area will be community consultation and assisting the local authority with its mainstream programmes."