GREENMOUNT has been recognised for its work to make Greater Manchester the best place in the UK to grow older.

The village has been labelled as an age-friendly neighbourhood for its work to help people who feel isolated or lonely, to engage with others.

It received the new status from Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Mr Waddell, chairman of Greenmount Village Community (GVC), said: "It is always a great pleasure to accept these local or national awards, as it shows recognition of the hard work being done by our many volunteers in this village.

"We can all give ourselves a tap on the back for living in such a wonderful village."

For three years, Greenmount village has been supported by charity Ambition for Ageing, who has worked alongside residents in the over 50s age group.

The GVC is working closely with Bury Council, police and other groups to spread the word and highlight the activities available to older people in the neighbourhood. The latest initiative is social prescribing, organised by Bury Voluntary, Community and Faith Alliance (VCFA), which involves referring patients to non-medical support within the voluntary, community and faith sector, with a long-term aim to reduce the number of clinical and medical interventions required.

At the end of 2019, volunteers who represent the many groups which operate in Greenmount, began the process to see whether Greenmount could achieve the status of being “age-friendly”.

Greenmount won through to the final selection of 53 towns/villages in Greater Manchester who can be called “age-friendly” under Mr Burnham's scheme.

Christine Taylor, Joan and Alistair Waddell received the award at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, on Thursday, February 6.

To find out more about activities in Greenmount, visit the Old School in Brandlesholme Road, for the drop-in session on the first Saturday of the month, between 10am and 12 noon, or email chairperson@greenmountvillage.org.uk.