PEOPLE who have embarked on projects to improve the environment in County Durham are being urged to enter a competition.

The County Durham Environment Award aims to reward projects from wildlife gardens to building restoration. It is open to schools, community groups, businesses and individuals.

The contest is Durham County Council's 15th annual competition. People have until February 20 to enter.

Chris Tunstall, the council's director of environment, said: "The award is a great way of recognising and rewarding all sections of the community that work hard to help improve the built and natural environment in County Durham.

"Their efforts are immensely important and, taken alongside the County Council's Urban and Rural Renaissance programme, help improve the vitality and quality of many of our smaller towns and villages.

"The award's prime objective is to encourage good design and sustainable principles in all aspects of the built and natural environment."

The award has six categories: Built environment, craftsmanship, natural environment and countryside Improvement, management and restoration of minerals and waste disposal, schools and Local Action 21, and access for all.

To be eligible, projects should have been completed during last year, except for tree planting, which should have been established for at least five years.

Entry forms are available from the the Director of Environment, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UQ, or by calling 0191-383 3347.