CHESTER-LE-STREET District Council is preparing to represent the UK in the local government section of the European Business Awards for the Environment.

The council has just been informed that it is among the winners in the Green Apple Environment Awards 2007, one of the accredited feeder schemes into the international campaign.

The authority has gained the award through its ongoing work with schools in programmes which encourage good environmental citizenship.

This work has been done by council staff and local environmental experts.

Representatives from the council will be presented with the Green Apple Award at the House of Commons later this year, when top winners will have the chance to represent their country in the Brussels event.

The council will also be invited to join the National Green Heroes, a group of environmental achievers who use their experience others and the environment around the world.

Mike Keenlyside, projects manager, said: "This is fantastic recognition, and the second Green Apple Award we have received for proactive work in environmental communications. It is a credit to the schools who participate and our programme delivery partners."

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "This award is a major achievement for the council, as well as our partners, in advancing the green agenda within the district.

"It is encouraging that our council, despite being one of the smallest in the country, was awarded this internationally recognised award."