ORGANISERS of an environmental award are hoping for a bumper crop of entries.

The County Durham Environmental Award attracted 55 entries last year and Durham County Council hopes it will attract more this year.

The award has inspired and recognised large and small-scale projects ranging from wildlife gardens to building renovation.

Last year's entries included Seaham Hall Hotel, Eastgate Village Hall, the Secret Garden at Bowes Hutchinson C of E Aided School, and the Teesdale and Wear Valley farmers' markets.

Energy firm Npower is backing the awards and the schools/ Local Agenda 21 category.

Chris Tunstall, the council's environment and technical services director, said: "The award's prime objective is to encourage good design and sustainable principles in all aspects of the built and natural environment."

The six categories are: Access for all; built environment; craftsmanship; natural environment and countryside improvement; management and restoration of minerals and waste disposal; schools/Local Agenda 21.

To be eligible, projects should have been completed during 2002, except for tree-planting, which should have been established for at least five years.

Entry forms are available from County Hall, on 0191-383 3347, and should be returned by February 21.