A MOTHER-of-three who wants to protect the environment for her children’s sake has been shortlisted for a national award.

Kendra Ullyart, of Darlington’s West End, is in the running to win the Unsung Local Hero category in The Observer Ethical Awards 2013.

She was nominated by a fellow Friends of the Earth co-ordinator in recognition of the work she has done for the organisation – including rescuing the Darlington group from closure in 2007 to boost its numbers to 71.

Ms Ullyart has been involved in a number of environmental projects across the town, the largest being the creation of a raised bed allotment in Lingfield Point where 60 people now grow their own food.

She said it was pleasing to get “a pat on the back” through the awards scheme, but said her inspiration for her environmental work is to make a better future for her triplets, Jade, Esmee and Tamara.

She said: “When I first joined Friends of the Earth I didn’t really know anything about environmental issues.

“Then the more I learned, the more I saw what we are doing to the environment and the massive changes that are happening because of us.

“So what inspires me is creating a better life for my children; trying to do something to affect the environmental changes that children are going to face in their lifetime.

“I want my children to know that I tried to make a difference to the quality of their future.”

Other initiatives that Ms Kendra is involved in locally include campaigning against cuts to doorstep recycling, planting 600 trees, creating a directory of shops and their environmental commitment and campaigning to bring the speed limit to 20mph in Darlington’s residential areas.