A COUNTY Durham dairy's work for the environment has earned it national recognition.

Wildcare Dairy Products, based at Etherley Business Park, near Bishop Auckland, won a National Silver Award in Farm and Agriculture at the Green Apple awards.

The award recognised Wildcare's work to restore and create habitats on farms which supply its White and Wild-branded milk.

Wildcare began as a farmers' co-operative to help farmers trade in bulk with financial support from the Rural Enterprise Scheme established by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

There were more than 500 entries for this year's Green Apple Environment Awards.

Ken Whitley, managing director of Wildcare Dairy Products, said: "We are delighted with the award and pleased that our work for the environment has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation."

Leanne Anderson, trainee marketing manager for Asda, said: "Asda is extremely proud to stock White and Wild in selected stores across Scotland and England. Our customers have responded brilliantly to this innovative product, which enables them to actively support the environment and encourage wildlife back on to farms in their local region."