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ACROSS PURPOSE: Malcolm Munro and Helen Lilley with Penny Smith, Mary Parsons, Jim Parsons and Peter Wharf at Souls Bridge, Bere Regis Picture: GRAHAM HUNT/HG3504

A COMMUNITY project featuring a bridge made out of recycled plastic has won a green award.

Efforts to upgrade the walkway along the Bere stream in Bere Regis and install a new bridge was selected as a winner in the International Green Apple Awards for the built environment.

The new Souls Bridge' is made from recycled materials, with the base structure taken from a disused bridge near Gillingham and the rest made from recycled plastics.

It is a joint project between Bere Regis Parish Council and Purbeck District Council.

Parish council chairman Jim Parsons said: "The district council's part was to replace a damaged boardwalk along the Bere stream and our part was to build a footbridge across the river.

"We put it all together and now we've got this joint reward."

Mr Parsons said a lot of hard work has gone into the project from both councils, particularly from parish councillor Malcolm Munro who initiated the project.

He said: "Bere Regis Parish Council has spent almost £11,000 on the bridge, which is a huge amount for us, and Purbeck District Council's costs were just over £30,000."

Mr Parsons added that improvements to the popular spot in the Elder Roads public open space would be greatly appreciated by villagers and visitors alike.

He said: "From a community point of view we have created a very pleasant circular walk. There is already a bridge at the far end of the village and now we have two bridges they can walk in a circuit.

"Lots of people in the village walk along there with their dogs and we get a lot of tourists who come from all over to see the church, and who will now be able to enjoy this walk. We are very proud to be recognised for this award jointly with Purbeck District Council."

Councillor Munro will attend a ceremony at the Tower of London in July where environmentalist David Bellamy will present him with the award.

11:37am Thursday 17th April 2008

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