Gold for green in Neath Port Talbot

Environment enthusiasts from across Neath Port Talbot will put their efforts under the microscope at an awards ceremony tonight.

Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum will host their first ever ceremony to congratulate Schools, Businesses, Voluntary Organisations, Public Sector Departments and wildlife projects for their commitment to improving the Environment.

The awards which are split into six categories include Green School of the Year; Green Business of the Year; Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Year; Public Sector Department of the Year; Action for Wildlife Award and an Overall Winner. There will also be awards for commendation.

The ceremony organised by Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum and sponsored by The Countryside Council for Wales and CORUS will be hosted by Iolo Williams.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, for the NPT Environment Forum stated "The standard of awards entries has been fantastic and we hope that we can do this again next year. The council is committed to improving the environment and it is a pleasure to see people working together to make our County Borough a greener place to live.

Through working together we have helped to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, reduce flytipping and increase recycling and reduce waste to landfill. We haven't done this alone - we recognise all of those who have helped us to achieve this. We also extend our thanks to those of you in the community making a physical effort to improve your own local environment."

CCW Senior Countryside Officer Ceri Daugherty added, "We are proud sponsors of the award ceremony. It's great to see a variety of organisations, schools, businesses and public sector departments taking a proactive approach to try and address our environmental responsibilities and being rewarded for their efforts."

A spokeman for Corus commented: "We are delighted to support the inaugural Neath Port Talbot Environment Awards, 2009. We are achieving a great deal, but we continue to address our environmental responsibilities with respect to continuing to extend our positive relationship with the community and the environment for everyone's benefit."