CHAMPIONS of community causes in Weymouth have scooped a green gong for their work in the Park District

Waterside Weymouth Community Forum (WWCF) volunteers picked up the accolade at the ninth Green Apple Environment Awards.

The campaign was organised by The Green Organisation, which is an independent group dedicated to recognising and promoting environmental best practice.

WWCF, which has set up several schemes including clean-up days, landed the bronze award in the community projects category.

A spokesman for the Green Apple judges said: "What started as a protest over parking problems has led to a concerted effort to convert an area into an environment benefit for the whole community."

He added: "Allocated resident parking and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit has allowed for the planting of trees and borders, dozens of hanging baskets, a front garden competition, litter bins, dog bins and numerous other improvements."

WWCF chairman Ken Whatley received the trophy, a sculpture of a green apple mounted on a plaque, during a three-day celebration mini-cruise to Spain with 200 other environment workers.

Mr Whatley, a resident of the Park District, said: "We are really pleased that our work has been recognised in this way.

"It makes all the hard work worthwhile.

"There were 15 nominations in our category, so it is great to come third."

Mr Whatley said: "I would like to thank other members of the forum for their support - Maureen and Charlie Wingrove, Laurie Lloyd and Derek Model, as well as everybody else who has helped us out."

WWCF was set up under the Waterside Weymouth Single Regeneration Budget programme.

The group of volunteers opened the Waterside Community Resource Centre in Ranelagh Road and also work closely with the Dorset Youth Offending Team in Cranford Avenue.

If you know a company, council or community that deserves recognition for its environmental efforts, you can nominate them for one of next year's awards by telephoning (01604) 810507.