Harrogate's environment award winners

OVER 200 representatives from local businesses, schools and community groups attended an environmental awards ceremony in Harrogate on Monday, to showcase of some the most environmentally friendly organisations in the district.

Organised by Harrogate Borough Council's Environmental Strategy Team, the gala awards ceremony was held at the St George Hotel where BBC Weatherman Paul Hudson presented awards to the three category winners: Bettys Craft Bakery, Holy Trinity Junior School and the Pinewoods Conservation Group.

All three organisations were praised for their outstanding work to protect and enhance the environment.

Amongst their prize-winning activities, Bettys Craft Bakery - who took the Best Action for the Environment Business Award - was praised for cutting waste by twenty five per cent. Each year, the company composts six tonnes of Yorkshire tea bags instead of sending them to landfill.

Holy Trinity Junior School's active 'Eco Committee' of pupils and staff were commended for their work to reduce carbon emissions in school and for setting up the schools new five point Eco-Code and were awarded the overall School Award

The Community Award went to the Pinewoods Conservation Group who work voluntarily to improve access to this local beauty spot and enhance the wildlife habitat.

Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources, who hosted the ceremony, said: "These awards are about recognising and celebrating success. This year we heard about some exceptional organisations all of which have worked hard to protect and improve our environment. They have proved that everyone can play a part in tackling environmental issues and we can all make a real difference."

Caroline Grant, Bettys Craft Bakery General Manager and head of the Bakery Environmental Team noted: "At our family business we are committed to keeping our environmental impact as small as possible. At the Bakery we recycle all cardboard, paper and glass, compost our teabags, use low wattage lighting and source our ingredients locally to reduce food miles. Every single member of staff contributes towards our environmental activities and we feel proud to celebrate our dedication to positive change with such a constructive and encouraging award."

• Photo shows: Geoff Scurrah Chair of Pinewoods Conservation Group, Paul Hudson, Jack Render Holy Trinity School and Aislynn Johnston, Bettys Craft Bakery