People and groups that have worked to spruce up their communities have one last chance to enter a prestigious awards scheme.
The County Durham Environment Awards are now in their 27th year and have recognised hundreds of projects and activities that have had at their heart a strong environmental focus; and improved and enhanced towns, villages and all kinds of green space.
The deadline for the 2016 awards has now been extended to Friday 29 July to give people more time to put themselves or others forward.
Entries are invited from members of the public, community organisations, businesses and schools across County Durham.
Awards are given across 12 categories:
- Built environment
- Climate change
- Community partnership
- Craftsmanship
- Greener business
- Natural environment
- Places and spaces
- Schools and colleges
- Volunteer group of the year
- Volunteer of the year – under 18
- Volunteer of the year – over 18
- Waste management
Individuals and groups can nominate themselves for an award in all but the two volunteer categories.
Durham County Council runs the awards on behalf of the County Durham Environment Partnership.
Terry Collins, chair of the environment partnership and chief executive of the council, said: “We hope that the Environment Awards will encourage people to tell us about their work.
“We know there are environmental projects out there which are making the county a better place to live, work and visit and we would love to hear more about them.
“The range of award categories is specifically designed to attract a diverse selection of entrants, from members of the public, volunteers and community groups to schools, businesses and specialists.
“We are keen to hear about all projects which are happening across the county, both large and small.”
To enter or to find out more, go to www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/envawards or call 03000 265545.
Shortlisting and judging will take place over the summer with winners announced at a ceremony in Durham City in November.
The awards are supported by the council, The Northern Echo, Durham University, Banks Group, Durham Wildlife Trust and Marmax Products.
Previous award winners have included building projects, energy efficiency and renewable energy schemes, community partnership projects, work using traditional craftsmanship skills and schemes to create cleaner and greener surroundings.
The awards have also celebrated environmental initiatives in schools and colleges, schemes that conserve the natural environment, environmental volunteers, restoration projects and waste reduction schemes.