SUFFOLK schools, businesses and communities have stepped up to the challenge to create the greenest county - with ideas including school sensory gardens, free gardening for vulnerable people and a car share scheme.

SUFFOLK schools, businesses and communities have stepped up to the challenge to create the greenest county - with ideas including school sensory gardens, free gardening for vulnerable people and a car share scheme.

Response to the Creating the Greenest County awards has been described as 'inspiring.'

Forty-four entries have been received from communities, businesses and schools from across Suffolk, all demonstrating examples of green excellence in their particular field.

Entries include the new University Campus building in Ipswich; BBC Radio Suffolk for their Don't Be a Tosser litter campaign; the White Horse Inn, in Edwardstone, for their work in reducing the pubs energy consumption and the new housing development in Elmswell. The construction for the development was carbon neutral and all the houses have been rated excellent by Eco Homes.

There are also some excellent examples of work being undertaken in Suffolk Schools, with schools, including Dennington Primary, engaging with the issue in their curriculum, holding themed green days and developing an eco council. All Saints School, in Lawshall, have shown the importance of green outdoor education, using the forest schools programme to encourage children to engage with the environment and develop their learning.

Suffolk County councillor Eddy Alcock, portfolio holder for environment and waste management, said: "I am really pleased to see so many good examples of our local communities really thinking about how they can work differently to make Suffolk a greener and better place to live and work. I have been really impressed by the range of ideas and the enthusiasm."

Stuart Livingstone, general manager for Carillion Highway Maintenance in Suffolk - lead sponsor for the Creating the Greenest County event - said: "Carillion is delighted to be lead sponsor for this important award initiative, which encourages sustainability to be at the top of everyone's agenda. This year's entries have not only been outstanding but inspiring too, illustrating the scope and range of initiatives being led by Suffolk's sustainability champions in this beautiful county."

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Ickworth House on Wednesday. The awards are sponsored by Carillion, BT, Environment Agency, MLM Consulting Engineers, Greene King, Ransomes Jacobsen and British Energy.

For more information on what is happening to help make Suffolk Creating the Greenest County visit www.greensuffolk.org