PEOPLE who have given something back to their communities are being honoured at a ceremony in Saffron Walden tonight (Thursday). The Community Achievement Awards ceremony, being held in the Council Offices on London Road, will see 30 people receive recogn

PEOPLE who have given something back to their communities are being honoured at a ceremony in Saffron Walden tonight (Thursday).

The Community Achievement Awards ceremony, being held in the Council Offices on London Road, will see 30 people receive recognition for the exceptional contributions they have made to the people of Uttlesford.

A spokesman for Uttlesford District Council said: "The council is presenting the Community Achievement Awards to people who have been involved in various projects in the district.

"These include setting up and running Scout and Brownie packs, producing and distributing village magazines and raising thousands of pounds towards community buildings and local charities."

The winners are receiving prizes in the following categories: Youth Initiatives, Service to the Local Community, Service to the Local Community and the Elderly, Service to the Elderly, Service to Children and Young People and Service to People with Disabilities.

The council's Local Agenda 21 Group will also be presenting its Mary Porter Award for Environmental Awareness to two schools.

Saffron Walden County High School is receiving first prize and a cheque for £300.

Paul Garland, Local Agenda 21 Group Chairman, said: "The County High School has a group, spanning the entire age range of the school, which has been paying attention to environmental problems.

"In their application for the award they submitted a video and a song, as well as a folder listing 10 things we can all do to reduce our environmental impact.

"At the awards ceremony we will show the video, and everyone will receive a copy of the folder, so we can help them spread the word. They are very worthy winners."

Second prize is going to Chrishall Holy Trinity & St Nicholas CE Primary School, which will receive £150.

Mr Garland said: "Chrishall Primary has general school policies that we strongly approve of, such as recycling and the reduction of waste, as well as a wildlife garden.

"The younger children from the school submitted artwork they'd done along with environmental slogans, so we thought that they also deserved an award."

Both of the financial prizes will be spent on an environmental activity.

Mr Garland, who will be presenting the awards, also expressed his thanks to Three Valleys Water, which sponsors the Mary Porter Award for Environmental Awareness.