CHAMPIONS for the environment have been honoured at a ceremony.

Prizes were handed out in ten categories at the annual Pride in Your Neighbourhood Awards in Hartlepool. They recognise the work of individuals and groups across the town to protect and enhance their neighbourhoods.

The competition is part of Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool campaign, and winners received their awards from council chairman Councillor Carl Richardson at the Civic Centre.

He said: "It is reassuring to know that so many people are working so hard to improve the town in their own time. The council really appreciates their efforts."

A record 67 nominations were received for this year's competition, a big increase on the previous best of 43.

The winners were:

Environmentally active individual, George Howe; environmentally active community group, Friends of Spion Kop Cemetery; environmentally active group of young people, St John Vianney RC Primary School gardening group; environmentally active business, St Helen's Primary School food co-op; environmentally active school, Fens Primary School; best new environmental project, 25 Victoria Road, Continuing Care and Rehabilitation Centre; best school grounds, Seaton Carew Nursery School; plot most improved, West View Advice and Resource Centre; group responsible for adopting a beach, Warren Road Gateway Group; and special achievement, Hartlepool countryside warden volunteers.