A call has been made for 'green' projects, across Belfast, to move up a step and get the recognition they deserve, in the city council's Brighter Belfast Environmental Awards.

Nominations close on Monday 29 September, so the city's schools, businesses, community groups and individuals are being urged to get their entries in on time – and be in with the chance of winning £500.

The awards, which have been launched in conjunction with 'Belfast in Bloom', are now in their fourth year and acknowledge projects which deal with litter prevention, waste management, nature conservation and making the city 'greener'.

And this year sees the introduction of a new category – the Lord Mayor's Award.

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Current first citizen of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley, said he is delighted to be introducing the new award.

The Lord Mayor said: "The face of Belfast has changed dramatically over the last few years and thousands of visitors are coming to this great city, so we want to make it as clean and green as possible – not just for the tourists, but for everyone that lives, works and plays in Belfast."

The awards are open to groups/organisations and individuals who have excelled in any of the following categories: anti-litter; Business in the Community partnership; 'Reduce, reuse and recycle'; nature conservation and there's also an award for the school which has proven its environmental credentials.

Previous winners include a group of conservation volunteers who created a 'green gym' for patients at the Mater Hospital in north Belfast, and the Friends of Botanic Gardens.

Businesses who have been recognised for their contribution to improving the local environment include the Westwood Centre and McDonald's, and Centra won the 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' award for best practice in recycling cooking oil and encouraging customers to use a 'bag for life'.

Translink also won an award for its efforts to protect wildlife habitats alongside railway lines.

(PR)