There are just days to go before the recipients of the 2012 County Durham Environment Awards are announced.
Organised by the County Durham Environment Partnership to reward great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit, the awards event takes place next Tuesday (9th October) at Radisson Blu, in Durham City.
This year 68 entries have been received across the 11 categories, which for 2012 feature a new volunteer group of the year section and a refreshed greener business class.
The wide range of entries involve projects including the redevelopment of a miners’ memorial hall, the creation of a polytunnel classroom, restoration of a town hall clock and stained glass and a brand new rural organic eco-friendly business.
The awards, which have been running since 1989, will also recognise countless hours of volunteering by community and environmental groups and individuals as well as the use of a range of innovative technologies in projects throughout the county.
Terry Collins, chair of the County Durham Environment Partnership, said: “It is great that the awards continue to attract really high quality entries across all categories and from across the county.
“The range of categories is specifically designed to attract a really diverse selection of entrants, from environmental professionals and specialists to residents and volunteer groups giving up their time to make improvements in their communities.
“I’m very much looking forward to meeting the people involved in these great projects when we announce the awards next week.”
The 11 categories in this year’s awards are – built environment; climate change; community partnership; craftsmanship; greener business; natural environment and countryside improvement; schools and colleges; volunteer group of the year; volunteer of the year – under 18; volunteer of the year – over 18; and waste management.
An outstanding award for entries which have far exceeded the category criteria and are viewed by the judges as exemplary can also be given, but is not necessarily awarded every year.
This year’s most popular categories are the built and natural environment and new volunteer group section.