GREEN campaigners, young and old, were honoured when they were presented with the town's Civic Pride Awards. The awards, run by Bolton Council's Environment Team and sponsored by the Bolton Evening News, recognise the achievements by individuals, companies, voluntary organisations and groups throughout the town. Award winners this year were McDonalds Restaurants, Bolton Soroptomists, The Mean Green Team, Smithills School, Broomfield Hotel and the Egerton Division of St John Ambulance.

The citations were read by Evening News editor, Mark Rossiter and the certificates were presented to the award winners by Bolton Mayor, Cllr Peter Finch at the Bolton Environment Forum exhibition marquee in Victoria Square.

Fleur Wooley accepted the award for the Broomfield Hotel on Wigan Road, which was praised for its environmental audit, resulting in the erection of flower baskets to add colour to the hotel, the installation of double glazing and energy efficient light, and the implementation of a recycling system for paper and glass. A group of youngsters from eight primary schools were recognised for their efforts in improving the local environment around Halliwell, including litter picking, graffiti removal, flower planting and other projects.

Smithills School received an award for its role as a leader involving the whole school community in environmental issues, organising environmental awareness raising conferences in partnership with the local authority and other organisations like North West Water.

Bolton Soroptomists have been concerned about the environment for many years and picked up an award for a number of local initiatives including, the roadside care programme, tree planting and their participation in Bolton Environment Forum. The Egerton Division of St John Ambulance began collecting aluminium cans for recycling three years ago to raise funds for First Aid supplies and the group now has five can banks and regular collections from schools, earning them a Civic Pride Award.

In addition the service received £5,000 donated by Bolton Council which went towards the mobile unit.

Regional Operations Manager, Chris Nicholls, received the award for McDonalds Restaurants who have given support to a number of voluntary groups in the community over a number of years and have a waste management programme to keep their premises free and clear of litter.

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