A GROUP of volunteers who have improved a cemetery for visitors have won The Northern Echo's community environmental competition.

Now in its ninth year, and sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast, Making a Difference showcases people helping the environment.

The Friends of Redcar Cemetery carry out maintenance work, plant flowers, erected a memorial for children buried in unmarked, pauper graves in decades gone by and work with the local council, community groups and businesses.

Judges Sue Stewart, environmental specialist advisor with One NorthEast, Jim Cokill, director of Durham Wildlife Trust, and freelance journalist John Dean, said: "The group represents a real partnership that helps guide the council about what the community wants for the cemetery. They are inspiring."

Dorothy Ahmed, treasurer of the Friends, said: "This is fantastic news and a real pay-off for all the hard work that we have done."

This year, for the first time, the judges awarded a highly commended, which went to Durham Gilesgate Sports College, Durham, where students, helped by staff and the community, have created a sculpture garden.

The judges said: "We were struck by the sheer enthusiasm of the students involved in the project and the changes it is making in so many young lives."

Also shortlisted was Harrowgate Hill Primary School, in Darlington, for wildlife and environmental projects carried out by its children, backed by staff and the community. The judges said: "We were particularly impressed by the pupils acting as eco-monitors and the way they are spreading their message."

The final group on the shortlist was Crowtrees Heritage Trails project, which has created a network of pathways linking Quarrington Hill with surrounding villages in County Durham. The judges said: "They are a terrific example of people working to bring communities together."

Ecologist and television presenter David Bellamy will present the prizes at a date to be confirmed.