A DISADVANTAGED community could soon benefit from a national environmental project.

Gresham in Middlesbrough has been invited to participate in the Going for Green scheme which was piloted in just five areas of the country including Sedgefield.

Going for Green, run by the Tidy Britain Group, aims to address local environmental, social and cultural priorities and to improve the quality of life through community action.

Gresham was chosen to join the project because of its size, ethnic minorities, disadvantages, and the challenges it would present to improve conditions.

Phil Harper, head of public protection and planning at Middlesbrough council, said: "Our expectation is that Going for Green involvement will enhance local regeneration activities and provide an opportunity for active local participation."

Tomorrow, Middlesbrough council is expected to agree that Gresham should join the project.

If the decision is made a project officer will be employed and workshops will be held in the community to set targets for the project.

Among ideas already suggested are free micro-chipping for dogs, producing newsletters for residents, promoting healthy eating, and creating a safe route to school scheme.