The hunt is on to find Norwich's most environmentally-minded businesses, community groups and schools.

Norwich City Council's Eco Awards open today and aim to showcase how people are making the city greener and cleaner.

Last year's winners included a vegan bakery using local products and recycled packaging to produce extraordinary cakes, a primary school harnessing pupils' interest in the environment and a businessman who designed and created his own solar powered van.

Supported by the Norwich Evening News, the categories are for outstanding eco primary school; outstanding eco secondary school; outstanding eco community group and outstanding eco small/medium business (less than 50 staff).

All entries will be put forward for the special eco hero title, which recognises the hard work of an exceptional individual or group towards the eco cause.

City councillor Mike Stonard, who has cabinet responsibility for environmental issues, said: 'Last year's awards were fantastic with some incredibly inspiring entries, which demonstrated how far people are willing to go to put the environment at the heart of their work.

'This is a great opportunity for businesses, schools and organisations to publicly demonstrate their eco credentials, so I'd encourage as many people as possible to apply.'

All entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony at City Hall.

Winners of each category will receive a certificate and a glass trophy, as well as the right to use the Eco Awards logo.

Lee Rose was last year's eco hero. He runs Bowthorpe-based Norfolk Solar, providing solar hot water systems and gets around in a solar van he built. The Deerly Beloved Bakery, a vegan bakery run by Kayleigh Reid from her Turner Road home won the eco small business of the year. Catton Grove Primary School won the Eco school category and Norwich Community Green Gym the eco community group category.

The closing date for entries is Friday, January 31, 2014. The awards are only open to organisations based within Norwich.

To download an entry form, go to www.norwich.gov.uk/ecoawards or contact environmental strategy officer Claire Tullett by emailing clairetullett@norwich.gov.uk or calling 01603 212545.

• Do you have a story about innovative ways of going green? Call reporter Dan Grimmer on dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk