AS the world strives to cut carbon emissions and protect the planet, we want to find the projects and people in Huntingdonshire that are making a difference in the fight to go green. The Huntingdonshire Green Heart Community Awards – a new initiative fo

AS the world strives to cut carbon emissions and protect the planet, we want to find the projects and people in Huntingdonshire that are making a difference in the fight to go green.

The Huntingdonshire Green Heart Community Awards - a new initiative for 2010 - are launched today to find those inspirational projects and motivated people that are helping the environment.

Together with The Hunts Post, Huntingdonshire District Council is looking for award winners in six categories: Best Environmental Primary School, Best Environmental Senior School, Best Environmental Group/Community, Environmental Business of the Year, Green Volunteer of the Year and Best Environmental Project.

HDC environmental management officer Tracy Martin said: "We want to find out about what has motivated the people of Huntingdonshire to take environmental action, what has been helpful to make their projects successful and what challenges they have faced and overcome along the way.

"We want to recognise those community groups and individuals who are getting together and making a real change in their community by reducing their environmental footprint. From energy projects, waste and recycling schemes to sustainable growing schemes and environmental awareness raising events, to getting ideas off the ground, there are people out there who are making a difference, people with bright, innovative and scalable ideas."

The awards are now open for nominations and in-keeping with the green values, we are encouraging entries via The Hunts Post website, www.huntspost24.co.uk - just click on the green awards page.

The entry criteria can also be found on the website, but the process is simple.

Community groups, schools etc can nominate themselves, but will need to be able to show what project/s they have been involved with and the benefits of the project to the environment and community.

If you think about how your project has tackled climate change, improved efficiency or energy use, protected or improved the environment, or spread the green message then you're on the right lines.

Shortlisted entries will be invited to a ceremony on June 5 -

Winners of each award will not only receive a trophy and recognition of their hard work, but will also go home with �250 to put towards their project.

Entries will be judged by an independent panel and all activities included in nominations should have taken place since April 1, 2009.

INFORMATION: For further details, contact Tracy Martin on 01480 388347 or e-mail tracy.martin@huntsdc.gov.uk