TWO entrepreneurs have kept the spirit of European co-operation alive by establishing a web presence for their fledgling eco-friendly initiative.

Chris Thair, a former European Rugby League head, and committed environmentalist Richard Dickson, are behind Play It Green, a scheme devoted to helping firms and public bodies to reduce their carbon footprint.

But when the Prestwich dads came to developing a website for the venture, they were being quoted six-figure sums.

Through Richard's contacts with the Kairos Society, he was put in touch with Berlin-based Devy Design.

And before too long the German outfit was able to transform the north-west duo's ideas into an online reality.

Chris said: "The artistic designs were beyond what we had seen before, there was a great energy amongst us all and we quickly agreed to proceed. Devy Digital were professional, innovative and delivered great design and functionality for what we required.

“The team moved us from an idea on a piece of paper to a fully functioning green tech business that has had sign-ups every day since launch.

"Communication throughout the project build was extremely good, they fixed problems and moved at pace whilst never compromising on quality. We simply wouldn’t be here without them.

“We’ve spoken to many people during this start-up phase and it has been extremely noticeable at how the young people in their twenties and thirties, think completely differently about money, life and the environment to people my age and older."

Chris and Richard want to ensure for their clients that new trees are planted to offset environmental impacts of anything from individuals to larger enterprises.