ANYONE hoping to win a prize in the Durham Wildlife Trust's conservation awards scheme will have to get their entries in by Friday, September 2.

The awards recognise efforts to protect and enhance County Durham's wildlife and environment, and encourage more people to get involved in conservation.

The categories are urban business, urban community, rural business and rural community. Those shortlisted will be announced early next month.

Emma Wilson and Chris Tarpey, who run farm cottages at East Briscoe, near Barnard Castle, won the rural business scheme last year for what was described as excellent work.

They planted a woodland area, put up nesting boxes and feeding tables, rebuilt 100 metres of dry stone wall and set up two paths for visitors.

The couple used their £250 prize on a reed bed to treat used water, and put in dual flush toilets to save water.

The awards are sponsored by npower. The company's community involvement executive, Gary Doig, said the East Briscoe scheme is an example of how new practices can help a business and the environment

Richard Wood, chief executive of the Durham Wildlife Trust, said efforts like this made a significant contribution to the care of wildlife, and could inspire other people to get involved in projects.

Entry forms are available from Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191-5843112.