OKEHAMPTON Girl Guides have won the first of the Mayor’s Young Person Green Awards for their support of the local environment.

The awards, which were launched at the start of September 2023, celebrate the work of children aged four-to-11 years-old, who are showing passion for supporting climate change issues.

The Okehampton Girl Guides took part in litter picking last month as part of their skill builder badge achievement as well taking part in the Mayor of Okehampton Town Council’s “Cleanest Town in Devon” event back in September.

The group plan to carry out litter picking every month in Okehampton and the surrounding areas.

Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Lynn Daniel, presented the girl guide group with their certificates and prizes, two environmental books each, at their group session on November 9.

She said: “I am delighted to award the first of my Mayor’s Green Young Person Awards to such a committed group of young people who are doing great things to support the environment. Keep up the good work!

“It is so important that we keep recognising our young people and the work they are doing to support climate change, which is a top priority for our Council.”

Katie Bolt, Okehampton Brownies Leader said: “The girls love helping their community and are so happy to receive this award. We are all very proud of them and their achievements and hope they continue to contribute whenever and wherever they can to their community.”

The next round of awards is now open so if you know a young person, primary school class or youth group in West Devon which is doing great things for the environment, please nominate them by emailing: [email protected] .

You need to include:

• A short summary (up to 150 words) about the work they are doing to support the environment.

• Photographs, if available

• Permissions to use photographs from parent/guardians are required for marketing purposes.

Nominations for the next awards close on December 8, 2023.