Deadline looming to find Norwich’s eco heroes

Green-thinking schools, businesses and community groups have just one week left to get their entries in for this year's Eco Awards.

The Norwich City Council-led awards, run in partnership with the Evening News, recognise all the good work which is happening across Norwich to help the environment.

Categories for the awards are: eco school, eco community group, eco small business (fewer than 50 staff), and eco large business (more than 50 staff).

All entries will be put forward for the special eco hero title, which recognises the hard work of an individual or group to improve the city, making it a cleaner and safer place to live and work in.

The deadline for entries is next Friday.

Victoria MacDonald, cabinet member for environment at City Hall, said: 'We want as many schools, community groups and businesses as possible to come forward and tell us about what they've been doing, and reward them for their contribution to sustainability within the city.

'It's essential for everyone in Norwich to get involved with eco issues - not only will positive actions help to improve the area they live in, but also for future generations who will live there.'

Last year's winners included Recreation Road Infant School, which saw youngsters at the school recognised for their green awareness, and Natalie Halsall, of City College Norwich, who encouraged staff and students to use public transport.

Lisa McNaughton, eco teacher representative at Recreation Road Infant School, said it was a boost to the school winning the award last year.

She said: 'So many schools are already doing a lot to be green anyway so why not get a bit of recognition for the work you've been doing?'

Miss Halsall, who was named Eco Hero last year, said: 'Winning the eco hero award and getting recognition for the college has opened up so many new positive avenues here at City College.

'It has helped us achieve leadership in setting up new environmental management practices as well as implementing them with help from the ever-growing team of staff and student eco-warriors.

'It has encouraged local businesses to support us with actively helping us engage, enhance, and develop our surrounding environment for the future of our staff, students and visitors here at City College.'

All entrants will be invited to the awards ceremony, presented by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, councillor Tom Dylan, next month.

To enter, complete an entry form which can be downloaded from www.norwich.gov.uk. For a paper copy, call John Dougan, energy officer, on 01603 212545. Full details on how to enter are on the form.