TYNEDALE schools, groups and individuals have been honoured for their work to improve their communities at this year’s LOVE Northumberland awards.

The ceremony celebrated the very best in community and voluntary environmental work across the county.

Representatives of all shortlisted entries were invited to the event at The Alnwick Garden, which was hosted by BBC TV presenter Carol Malia.

Young and Sweet, a youth initiative from Haltwhislte, won the best young people’s project category for its work nvolving young people in environmental initiatives.

An award for an individual who helped to enrich the environment was presented to 13-year-old Ben Campbell, from Ponteland Academy, for his exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for the school’s recycling project. Ayesha Jackson, a youth worker from Haltwhistle, also won the same prize.

Corbridge Middle School was recognised for the most innovative school recycling project and Prudhoe Community High School for the best practice school recycling project – both receiving a picnic bench made by Marmax Products.

St Mary’s RC First School in Hexham was highly commended for its enterprising gardening project. Executive headteacher Fiona Conley said: “The finished allotment is absolutely fabulous. It is a superb outdoor teaching area which will further enhance the curriculum for the pupils.”

The annual awards were developed by Northumberland County Council through its LOVE Northumberland campaign, with the aim of promoting the work of the council and its partner organisations.

Coun. Jeff Watson, civic head of Northumberland County Council, said: “The awards are all about celebrating what individuals and groups do, largely in a voluntary capacity, to keep their local areas green and clean right across Northumberland.

“I have been extremely impressed by the quality and breadth of the work highlighted through the awards and thank them all on behalf of the residents and visitors who benefit.”

Each winning entry received a £250 prize, each runner-up £100 and highly commended finalists £50, with the money to go towards their project or other work within the local community.