GROUPS and individuals who have turned little corners of Swindon into thriving habitats, have been honoured.

Green-fingered community work was recognised at the Quality of Life Awards and Eco-Bash at the Punjabi Community Centre in Gorse Hill yesterday .

The awards pay tribute to those in the town who have raised awareness about community action and contributed to improving quality of life in the borough.

Taking first prize in the schools category was the Ridge-way School in Wroughton and its garden designs for the new Creative Planet Centre, which is being constructed at the school.

Designs were created by students from Years 8 and 9, and different elements of the submitted ideas will be included in the garden's final design.

Amy Thompson, manager of the Creative Planet Centre at the school, said: "None of the pupils who submitted designs could make it today because of exams, but I know they were extremely pleased to have won the award.

"The garden designs will be a major part of the project and will be used in lessons.

"But there will also be elements from other sciences, such as a water feature, with an Archimedes screw. It's all about inspiring the students."

Taking the runners up prize was the Harry Hazelnut Story Sack project a group of parents from Goddard Park Primary School who produced a story-telling scheme to help raise awareness about the importance of forests and woodland.

Taking first place in the volunteer category was John Ball of Flowers and Butterflies, who has been working to improve Swindon's wildflower population for the past 10 years.

He said: "It's wonderful to be recognised for my work.

"A few year's ago Swindon's wildflower population had really taken a hit but now with more growth they are coming back and when they come back so do butterflies and a new habitat is created."

Taking the runners up place was the Swindon Scrapstore, which turns waste items into playthings.

The winners of the top Quality of Life trophy were the Friends of Stanton Park, a group of volunteers working to improve the habitats of the park at Stanton Fitzwarren.

Collecting the trophy and cheque for £500 was Ron Hoskins, 74, beekeeper and member of the Friends of Stanton Park.

He said: "We're delighted to receive this. Our volunteers have done a great deal of work to improve the habitats of the park."

Lynn Forester, local co-ordinator of Agenda 21 and organiser of the event, said: "Increased interest in this year's event really shows that more people are taking an interest in the environment and that community power really does work."

Yesterday's event also launched next year's awards. To find out more call Lynn on 01793 463197.

Anthony Osborne