Awards to recognise projects

Projects helping make a Black Country borough a cleaner and greener place will be recognised in an annual competition.

Dudley Council is launching the Community Pride Awards and looking for schemes helping the environment.

Now in its ninth year, the awards pay tribute to those who give up their time to improve the appearance of their town or village. From street clean ups to energy saving schemes or art in public spaces, the council wants people to send in their nominations for worthwhile initiatives.

Projects must have started before the competition deadline of May 31 and prize of £500 is up for grabs.

There's also a £100 prize in the Junior Community Pride competition, which was launched in 2005. It has proved a huge success with youngsters aged 16 and under with a passion for going green. Any school or children's group project can be entered.

Judging for Junior Community Pride will take place in July and for Community Pride in August. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Environment Zone, Roberts Primary School in September.

Dudley Council's sustainable development officer, Alex Webb, said: "It's an exciting time of year when we begin our search for the borough's environmental projects. Each year we're not only amazed with the number of projects taking place in the borough but also the exceptional standard of entries received.

"I would urge any groups who are working hard to make the borough a better place to enter the competitions – it's your opportunity to shout about your project and to gain the borough-wide recognition you deserve."

Application forms are available from leisure centres, libraries and community centres. ºAlternatively contact Alex Webb on 01384 814403 or go to www.dudley.gov.uk