THE annual search for Hartlepool's environmental champions has begun.

As part of Hartlepool Borough Council's Pride in Hartlepool campaign, nominations are needed for this year's Pride In Your Neighbourhood awards.

The annual awards scheme aims to recognise the efforts of residents and businesses to make the town a cleaner and more attractive place to live and work.

A presentation evening is to be held in the council chamber at the Civic Centre on December 18, from 6pm when awards in ten categories will be handed out.

Clare Iley-Christie, the council's community environmental action officer, said: "We know that lots of people, both individually and in groups, are involved in a whole range of schemes to improve the town.

"A lot of businesses are also committed to doing their bit to look after the local environment.

"We want to give them the recognition their excellent work deserves, but to do this we need to know about their activities."

Awards will be presented in the following categories: Environmentally Aware Individual, Environmentally Aware Residents' Group, Environmentally Aware Youth Group, Environmentally Aware Business, Environmentally Aware School, School's Recycling, Best Kept School Grounds, Most Improved Plot, Community Beach and Special Achievement.

The first Pride in Your Neighbourhood awards were held in 2000, when 25 nominations were received and there has been a steady increase ever since, resulting in 37 nominations in 2001 which grew to more than 50 last year.

People can nominate themselves or someone else for an award by filling in special forms available by calling Ms Christie on (01429) 284172 or from libraries and neighbourhood offices around the town.