"TON up" - that is Bury's thriving Business Environment Association.

The organisation has just welcomed its 100th member into its fold. And given that the BEA has only been operating in Bury for two years, its enviable membership number is quite a remarkable achievement.

The 100th member is Bury-based foil-top lid and drinking straws manufacturer, Chadwick's.

Bury BEA provides small and medium-size companies with health and safety and environmental support.

Manager Mr Mike Kinsella said: "We had 50 members last year, so in 12 months we have actually doubled our membership."

Bury is one of the busiest BEAs in the North West and continues to go from strength to strength.

Mr Kinsella added: "We're always trying to increase the number of members and to provide them with a deeper service to try to fully exploit the economic benefits from good environmental management."

Next Thursday, December 9, the BEA will stage its second annual awards dinner to be held at Bury Town Hall.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.