NOTHING goes to waste in Louise and Denis Gregson's 'green' home, which has been singled out for an environment prize.

The couple, from Tudhoe Moor,Spennymoor, are the first winners of a Green Household Award organised by Sedgefield Borough Council and the Going for Green group.

They were also presented with an Electrolux cooker by Sedgefield Mayor Councillor George Morgan

Mrs Gregson, a playgroup co-ordinator, and her husband recycle glass, paper, tins and plastic bottles and save milk bottle tops and white envelopes for charity.

They use energy-efficient bulbs, use their heating sensibly and keep bills low with extra insulation.

Mrs Gregson, a keen gardener, composts garden and uncooked kitchen waste. She also uses rainwater for watering and uses neither insecticides nor artificial fertilisers.

She said: "I'm always trying to encourage others to do their bit as well and perhaps we might all be rewarded with a better environment."

Certificates went to four runners-up: Olive and David Hudson, from Ferryhill; Joyce and David Snell, from Shildon; Sandra Morrison, from Chilton; and Oliver and Naomi Priestley-Leach, of Sedgefield.