Keep Wales Tidy and Local AM Paul Davies are once again calling on volunteer groups, schools and organisations across Wales to put their names forward for the Tidy Wales Awards. Could this be the year you are a category winner and get your hands on a £250 cash prize?

The Tidy Wales Awards recognises groups throughout Wales who work tirelessly to improve their local environment. These unsung green heroes have inspirational stories to tell of how their volunteering has improved not only their local environment through reducing litter and protecting wildlife habitats but have also created links in communities, bringing people together and in some instances reducing the impact of poverty.

The shortlisted three groups for each category will be invited to attend a prestigious award ceremony on the 22nd of January at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. The awards are organised by Keep Wales Tidy and sponsored by Natural Recourse Wales (NRW).

For your chance to win, download an application form from the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.org or e-mail twa@keepwalestidy.org.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said, "This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers who are committed to keeping Pembrokeshire tidy. If you know of a local champion who is working hard to keep our local communities clean, then why not nominate them for an award? We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world and it's kept that way because of local volunteers who help keep the local environment clean and tidy for local residents and for visitors to enjoy."

Nigel Barry the CRG Secretary has delighted in the benefits of winning the Tidy Wales Awards commenting that not only have they benefited from the prize money but have been elevated by the recognition the Awards has given the group:

"Six months after winning the Rivers Improvement and the Overall Award at the Tidy Wales Awards, the Cardiff Rivers Group has really benefitted from the experience. The Tidy Wales Awards has given us the confidence and pride to advertise what we do and approach other organisations to help fund our activities. Outside the group, other partners, organisations, the press and the general public have seen that we are award winners and now view us in a different light. For example, we have just won a £1,000 People Award from BT to fund our vehicle over the next year. Our members are extremely proud of winning the award and as far as I'm concerned, the Tidy Wales Awards was the best thing we've ever done and has promoted us to the premiership of volunteering. It's our job now to win the league".

Keep Wales Tidy is excited to see what the groups across Wales have been up to in the last twelve months and invite all groups, schools and organisations - big and small - to get in touch and put themselves forward for the recognition they deserve.

For more information, please contact twa@keepwalestidy.org, call Cath Moulogo on 02920 381736 or visit www.keepwalestidy.org.