Community groups will be honoured at an awards ceremony for their environmental success.

The People And Nature Development Awards (Pandas) take place tomorrow at Arc, in Stockton.

The ceremony, presented by the Mayor of Stockton, is a celebration of the work that brings benefits to people and communities in the Tees Valley, protecting the wildlife and habitats of the area.

The awards recognise projects that have been carried out for the benefit of the community and inspire other groups to develop and implement their own projects in their own areas.

Sponsored by npower, the awards offer cash prizes to the winning groups, and a hand- crafted trophy, from the Cleveland Wood turners, to the winner of each category.

There will be three winners in each category winning £200, £100 and £50 for first, second and third place respectively.

The Pandas are open to individuals and groups living in the Tees Valley area that have undertaken environmental or community improvement projects.

There are five categories - education, youth group, community group (small), community group (large) and individual.