THE borough’s environmental champions have been honoured in Bury’s premier awards event.

More than 250 guests packed the Longfield Suite in Prestwich to herald the 11th annual Groundwork Environmental and Community Awards and dinner.

The awards covered numerous categories and were aimed at paying tribute to businesses, community groups, schools and individuals who embrace environmental good practice.

In his speech, Groundwork executive director Mr Tony Taylor said: “The finalists showcased reflect some remarkable work that individuals and organisations are carrying out across all sectors within both Bury and Bolton. Groundwork is particularly proud to play a part in providing tonight’s platform for recognising some truly remarkable achievements.

Looking to the immediate future, he added: “We move towards 2009 in the knowledge that we know the economical downturn will put pressure on the private sector organisations we support in areas such as resource efficiency, waste management and carbon reduction to possibly stop, if not reduce their programmes.”

Mr Taylor stressed that Groundwork would encourage its partner organisations to remain firm to their commitments by continuing to support people in greatest need and areas of deprivation.

Chairman, Councillor John Byrne, gave an overview of Groundwork’s activities which included work with asylum seekers, an active garden exchange scheme together with environment business support programmes to encourage resource efficiency and corporate responsibility.

He said: “Since October 2007, this programme has helped more than 160 businesses in Bury and Bolton save 806 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 5,600 cubic metres of water, 28,000 tonnes of materials and £380,000. I am delighted to say that the customer satisfaction survey among businesses we have supported showed 81 per cent rated the service excellent or very good.”

Sarah Sargent, head of Bury-based O2 which was the main sponsor of the event, made the opening address. Commenting on the 1,400-strong workforce at the O2 customer service centre, she said: “I’m proud to say that for our people who work there, it’s more than just a job. It’s a family. And like all families, they look after one another. That’s why they are passionately committed to working with and supporting the local community. Our support for Groundwork is one example. But there are plenty of others.”

Award winners Corporate Social Responsibility (Sponsored by 02): Winner — Godliman-Watson Homes. Highly commended: Crompton Place shopping centre, “Bee Healthy, Bee Social.” Commended: Bury Primary Care Trust-Radcliffe Primary Care Centre.

Tackling & Adapting to Climate Change (Sponsored by Godliman-Watson Homes): Winner — Serco Leisure. Highly commended: Bolton Wanderers FC.

Waste & Water Management (Sponsored by Viridor Waste Management): Winner – Wheeldon Brothers Waste Ltd. Highly commended: ISM Waste Services & Recycling.

Healthy Lives (Sponsored by Bolton Primary Care Trust): Winner — Royal Mail Bolton (Farnworth). Highly commended: Bolton Benefit Delivery Centre and Six Town Housing.

Mike Lord Memorial Schools Citizenship Award (Sponsored by Bury Fire & Rescue Service): Winner — St Gabriel’s RC High School. Highly commended: Old Hall Primary School. Commended: St Gregory’s School and St Margaret’s School.

Public Sector Cleaner & Greener Award (Sponsored by Bury Council’s Environment and Development Services): Joint winners – Bolton At Home and Bury In Bloom. Highly commended: Bolton Council-Enviroganza.

Community Changing Places (Sponsored by Six Town Housing): Winner — Hollins Community Village Association. Highly commended: Ramsbottom Angling Association. Commended: Withins Community Association and Whitefield Primary School community garden.

Chairman’s Award: Geoff Higginbottom.

Diamond Award. Best Overall entry (Sponsored by ISM Waste Services & Recycling): Hollins Village Community Association.