A DREAM came true for one council officer on Friday when an environmentally-friendly initiative was officially opened.

The Energy House, a specially-refurbished property on Manchester Road, was the brainchild of Harvey Thornton, assistant director of housing. A commemorative plaque was unveiled by MP Helen Jones in the presence of town dignitaries.

Harvey came up with the idea in 1998 and says he is delighted to finally see the community project come to fruition. The house is packed with energy-saving gadgets and interactive equipment.

"Energy efficiency is very high on the agenda," he said.

"And I think the most successful way forward is to attract our young people. You only have to see them coming here to see what an important part they play.

"We hope to organise a lot of links with schools and there is also a meeting room here where courses can be run. Community groups are going to be developed, we have put out information and now we can make a more concerted effort."

And he says there are bigger plans for the future.

"We have a lot of demonstration projects in the house and I would like to see more sophisticated equipment which is really cutting edge."