THE shortlist for The Northern Echo's environmental competition has been announced.

This is the third year the competition has been held, sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast.

Shortlisted entries are:

* Summerhill (Hartlepool) Bird Club, formed about 18 months ago and aimed at encouraging casual and inexperienced birdwatchers. It is based at Summerhill open space, in the town.

* Rosedale and Victoria Allotment Association, Willington, in the Wear Valley area of County Durham, which began transforming allotments in 1999. Projects include a nature area with a pond and seating, a sensory garden and a tree nursery.

* Bowes Hutchinson Church of England Aided School, at Bowes, Teesdale, where a secret garden has been created, including sculptures, willow work, a millennium seat and a widelife haven.

Competition administrator John Dean said: "Yet again we had a good standard of entries - it is just a pity that we cannot have a bigger shortlist because some of the unsuccessful entries were excellent."

A judging panel will visit the three schemes later this month.

This year's winner of Making A Difference receives £500 and two runners-up will receive consolation prizes. Professor David Bellamy will present the prizes later this year.