Chester Friends of the Earth named local group of the year by People’s Postcode Lottery Earthmovers Awards

At the Earthmovers Awards ceremony held at Losehill Hall in the peak district, Chester Friends of the Earth earned the title of best local group – beating off competition from across the UK.

Organised by Friends of the Earth and supported by players of People’s Postcode lottery, Earthmovers Awards recognise the inspiring work of local environmental groups in their communities.

Chester Friends of the Earth has been working tirelessly to make the city plastic-free. Earlier this year the group secured commitments from thirty businesses to ditch plastic straws. The group has also organised events to educate people on how they can remove plastic from their lives; including a Plastic Free Week in Chester and held a week-long stall at the Tatton flower show.

Helen Tandy, who took over as Chester local group co-ordinator in 2010, said:

“We’re delighted to be putting Chester’s environmental action on the map, and winning this award shows how the city can be a trailblazer for green living.

"We’re looking to make Chester the first city in the UK to gain plastic-free status – we can’t let Manchester beat us! It’s been hugely rewarding to explain to people the simple lifestyle changes they can make to cut plastic out of their lives.

“Environmental campaigning is all about positive solutions. We want to run easy, fun actions that engage everyone in the community no matter their age or background.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“I am thrilled that support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is enabling Friends of the Earth to recognise all the hard work by local groups through Earthmovers Awards. It’s been truly inspirational to read about the environmental initiatives that are being undertaken around the country to make communities thrive.”