Cloughmills youth praise

The award, sponsored by Michelin, was handed over to the group at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast where the keynote speaker was Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

The independent judging panel was impressed with the project entitled 'Incredible Edible Cloughmills,' which sought to engage young people in a community gardening programme with food and biodiversity at its core.

The project was based around a cooperative fruit and vegetable growing scheme located in a previously overgrown area beside a local pub; the site has now been transformed to create an oasis of calm on a busy main street.

Fifteen volunteers aged from 12 to 17 spent over 500 hours, supported by a growing band of adult mentors, learning new skills not just in working together but also in how and what to grow.

Commented the judging panel: "It's obvious to see the dedication and devotion of the young people of Cloughmills in this inspirational project. Every small town and village should follow suit."

This was the sixth year of the Energy, Environmental & Waste Management awards, organised by the Hillsborough based publishers of Sustainable Ireland magazine, 4SquareMedia, to celebrate the contribution industry makes to the environment and to sustainability.

There were 13 categories, ranging from Best Energy Manager and Best Waste Carrier to Biodiversity Project of the Year and Best Use of Renewable Energy Sources.