ONE of the challenges for conservationists trying to protect the planet's dwindling resources is to persuade people that there are practical advantages.

It's a challenge which has been met highly successfully by volunteers at the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who have raised £40,000 for hospice funds in five years, through recycling.

The volunteers are the latest entrants in The Northern Echo's Making A Difference environmental competition, sponsored by One NorthEast with a first prize of £500. Runners-up will also receive a prize.

Making A Difference, now in its second year, was established to encourage community environmental schemes. The project at Butterwick has involved huge numbers of people across County Durham.

The scheme began five years ago and today operates paperbanks at Church Lane car park, Ferryhill; the swimming baths car park in Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, which also has a bottle bank; and behind Ken Warne's supermarket in Spennymoor.

There is also a recycling site at Bishop Auckland College and the hospice is a collection point for aluminium cans and cardboard.

Seven and half tonnes of waste is collected each week and the project is backed by local companies and numerous schools and colleges throughout the Wear Valley, South Durham and Durham City.

The scheme is driven by the energy of hospice volunteer Bernard Harrison, who said: "It is increasing in popularity all the time."

Hospice fundraising coordinator Sue Snowdon said: "People are getting into the habit of utilising the service. I call it our bread and butter money because it comes in regularly.

"The hospice receives 17 per cent of its funding from the health authority but has to find the remainder itself, which means that we have to raise £350,000 every year.

"People who use our recycling service are not just helping the environment, they are helping the hospice. The scheme has grown immensely and that is down to Bernard."

l Time is running out if you or your group want to enter Making A Difference. Fill in the form printed here and return it by August 15. Last year's entrants can re-enter. Entries submitted include wildflower planting, the creation of a wildlife haven in a churchyard and the restoration of a cliffside park.