SCHOOLS in Huntingdonshire can once again win �200 to spend on an environmental project by taking part in the Green Heart Community Awards.

The awards – taking place for the second time – were launched last week by Huntingdonshire District Council and The Hunts Post with the aim of finding the area’s green heroes and inspiring projects.

There are six categories to contest, including the Best Environmental School, sponsored by the Luminus Group.

Last year there were two winners: Brampton Village Primary School won the section for the Best Environmental Primary School while the senior school equivalent was picked up by St Ivo School.

Both schools have been continuing with their green efforts – setting a great benchmark for other schools.

Brampton held an environmental day involving the entire school. Children spent the day outside looking at environmental issues and taking part in activities hosted by such groups as the Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, HDC, RHS and other members of the community.

Claire Dwight, eco-schools co-ordinator at Brampton Village Primary, said: “Our children are our future, and allowing them to become aware of environmental issues, such as where our waste goes and how to reduce it, how to conserve wildlife and where our food comes from, are all important issues that we should be allowing our children to become aware of.”

St Ivo School has been looking into water efficiency. The school had a visit from Anglian Water’s mobile education centre, which took the students through the importance of conserving water within the school as well as at home.

Students have also carried out a water audit around the school site to determine where savings can be made.

Barbara Morey, St Ivo’s eco-schools co-ordinator, said: “Winning the Best Environmental Secondary School award gave us a boost to take forward more projects. It was great to be recognised for the environmental work that has been taking place within our school.”

Schools can also enter students into the Young Green Achiever category, which is also sponsored by Luminus Group.

Huntingdonshire Green Heart Community Awards categories also include:

Best Sustainable Refurbishment

Best Environmental Project

Green Volunteer of the Year

Greening the Business

The awards are free to enter. The deadline is Friday, April 15, and finalists will be invited to a ceremony to celebrate their achievements on June 4.

Entries from all community groups, schools and individuals are encouraged, no matter how big or small your project.

Entry packs are available from www.huntspost24.co.uk – simply click on the green awards logo on the left hand side of the page.