NOMINATIONS are underway for the seventh annual Craven Community Champions Awards - and this week we are focusing on environmental heroes.

The Greener Craven Award celebrates the achievements of a group or an individual who has done something to improve the quality of the environment.

It might be anything from cleaning up a space in a town, village or hamlet, to inventing an 'app' that helps people reduce their carbon footprint.

It could also involve starting a vegetable swap scheme, or a clothes swap; from setting up a fuel cooperative to developing an educational programme about the environment.

Last year, the Greener Craven Award was given to Langcliffe Community Garden, a registered charity set up after the village allotments closed.

A group of residents decided that a community garden would be an asset to the village and could include small growing plots, fruit trees and bushes, benches, a meadow and a small area for events and social gatherings, for all the community to enjoy.

Residents financially contributed to buy the plot, situated on a beautiful site overlooking the hills and fields. More than £15,000 was raised with individual donations ranging from £200 to £5,000, enabling the trust to buy the land and add fencing to it.

The trust has inspired all the residents to help in the garden, keeping it tidy, helping with benches, planting trees, fruit trees, and helping to plant up the plots with vegetables, improving the environment and making a positive social difference to Langcliffe.

The judges will be looking for someone who has motivated and inspired others to get involved; who has made a positive difference to the environment for their community, and who has actively promoted environmental issues within their community

The Greener Craven Award is sponsored by Smart Solutions, which provides large scale, bespoke workforce solutions for industries across the UK.

A spokesman said the company was proud to be involved.

“At Smart Solutions one of our core values is awareness of our environmental responsibilities. We love trying to make a difference and we’re delighted to see this happening in our local community.

“We’re excited to sponsor an award that brings recognition to hardworking and caring people who make a positive impact in their community. Good luck to all entrants and congratulations to all winners from the Smart Solutions team.”

The Craven Community Awards are organised by Craven District Council with support from businesses, including the backing of the Craven Herald.

Nomination forms are available on the council website: cravendc.gov.uk/communitychampions or from participating shops or services, library or doctors surgery.

Nominations need to be made before November 29.

The winners will be announced on February 21 at a ceremony at the Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, to which all shortlisted people will be invited.