TWO further nominations have been received for The Northern Echo's community environmental competition.

Making a Difference, now in its fourth year, honours volunteers who are improving the region's environment and is sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast.

Groups and individuals can put forward their own projects, but each month The Northern Echo is nominating two further initiatives which have been featured in the paper over the previous four weeks.

One of the nominations for February is St Patrick's RC School, in Consett, County Durham, where pupils, staff and parents have worked with the Acorn Trust to bring about environmental improvements in the grounds.

The second project involves Sedgefield Countryside Volunteers and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, working alongside Sedgefield Borough Council, at the beauty spot Ferryhill Carrs, in south Durham.

The area is one of the biggest wetlands in the region and supports abundant wildlife, and the volunteers are trying to restore the site, which has been vandalised.

The winner of this year's competition receives £500 and two-runners will receive consolation prizes. The closing date is August 15.

All schemes will be considered by a judging panel, after which a shortlist will be drawn up. If you wish to nominate your scheme, simply submit the entry form printed here with as much information as you want, or enter on-line by emailing deangrissetition.