Awards are being offered to recognise unsung heroes and heroines who help improve their district's appearance and maintain its environment..

Dover District Council has launched the new Environmental Awards Scheme and the closing date for nominations is April 1.

The scheme is split into five different categories and acknowledges individuals, groups and businesses.

The awards are free to enter, and candidates can nominate themselves or others in the five categories of individual over 18, individual under 18, school, community group and business

Individuals, schools, and groups will be recognised for activities such as organising litter picks, reducing the amount of paper and plastic that they use, recycling, upcycling, and reusing items such as furniture and clothes.

Judges are looking for businesses who have introduced initiatives such as conserving water, using greener products, and encouraging greener ways of travelling to work.

It could also be planting shrubs or trees and recycling more to using alternative energy sources for power.

Entries will be judged upon inspiration, achievement, and environmental impact.

The winners of each category will receive an award trophy, £50 voucher and official recognition at an awards ceremony.

This is at Kearsney Abbey on April 9, the second last day of this year's the Great British Spring Clean.

The council scheme is also to support that campaign, which begins on March 25.

Cllr Martin Bates, cabinet member for transport, licensing and regulatory services, said: “These awards will recognise our local volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses for all the good work that they do to help make our district a cleaner and greener place to live.

WWe look forward to receiving entries for all categories.”

Nominations can be made via the web page dover.gov.uk/GBSC