A BUSINESS support group has praised North Yorkshire County Council for its efforts to deal with environmental issues.

Business in the Environment, which studied the environmental performance of organisations across the region, found the authority had improved significantly over the past year.

From previously being ranked 61st out of 87, the council has moved up to 13th position in a list of 120 groups.

Chief executive Jeremy Walker said: "We are very pleased with the environmental progress we have made over the last year, and it is especially satisfying to have the county council's efforts recognised in this survey. Our councillors and staff are well aware of the need to protect and enhance the environment.

"The floods in York and across North Yorkshire viv-idly demonstrated what climate change can mean and how it can affect local communities and businesses.

"The county council will continue to do all it can to raise awareness of how everyone can 'do their bit' - such as reducing and recycling waste, making less use of cars and making more efficient use of energy at home and at work."