AN eco-friendly business which has made a big impact over the past three years has scooped a prestigious local award.

Matthias Winter, the artisan boutique on Hallstile Bank in Hexham, has received the Mayor's Environmental Award, from Hexham Town Council.

The Mayor of Hexham, Coun. Bob Hull, made the announcement at Monday's meeting of the town council.

Coun. Hull said said he made his decision on the basis that since opening her business, proprietor Alison Smith had progressively created a unique retail business which was rooted in a sustainability approach.

The Mayor even said that Alison was always willing to consider new initiatives, even when there is no clear benefit for her business.

He added: "It is people like Alison, persuading others to take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, who have the greatest impact on preserving and enhancing our environment in the town."

The Mayor said the business had created a recycling directory for Hexham, and had acted as a recycling point for many items not recycled by the county council, such as crisp packets, biscuit wrappers and Pringles tubes. Matthias Winter had also opened the first refill station in Hexham, where people could refill their common household cleaners and toiletries, reducing the amount of plastic going into the environment.

Coun. Hull acknowledged that the business was constantly exploring new ways of reducing environmental impact through new sustainable products, acted as a beacon of sustainability in Hexham, and stocked local products.