A NUMBER of areas in the borough have been recognised for being age-friendly neighbourhoods.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham named Leigh West and Atherton among 32 areas as winners of the Age-Friendly Challenge.

The award scheme showcases the best places to grow older in the region.

The announcement was made at Greater Manchester's Doing Ageing Differently conference which brought together 300 figures in ageing from across the country.

Mr Burnham: “I launched this challenge last year to unearth the positive work I know is going on in Greater Manchester, to find practical examples of what age-friendly really means, and to share best practice across the city-region.

“The response to this challenge has been fantastic.

"The variety of age-friendly work displayed from all our winners clearly shows the commitment from our local communities to make sure that people in Greater Manchester are living not just longer, but happier and healthier too.”

Two other borough areas, Shevington and Pemberton, were also listed as winners in the challenge.

An age-friendly neighbourhood is classed as a place where residents are committed to looking out for each other and older people feel they can have a say in what is going on in their area.

These places also provide spaces where people can get together.

The award recognises the hard work organisations and older people in the areas have carried out to make their area a great place to grow older.

Wigan Council deputy leader, Cllr Keith Cunliffe, who is the portfolio holder for adult social care, said: “Congratulations to all of the areas that have been recognised as Age-Friendly neighbourhoods in the borough.

“Making sure the borough is equipped to help our elderly residents grow old and live the best life possible is vital to ensuring our communities continue to thrive.”

Submissions to the Age-Friendly Challenge were reviewed by an expert panel chaired by Prof Chris Phillipson from MICRA at The University of Manchester.