The Resource Awards, now in their third year, took place at the Community Recycling Network’s annual conference in Coventry on May 18.

The Community Recycling Project of the Year Award, sponsored by Marks & Spencer, was won by Welsh wizards Newport Wastesavers, with the Newcomer of the Year Award, sponsored by ECT going to Creation Recycling of Rotherham.

Both winners picked up a trophy made from recycled glass and a cheque for £2,500.

Newport Wastesavers has been established for ten years and provides training and experience for the long-term unemployed.

It also works in partnership with its local council to run an exemplary kerbside collection throughout the borough of Newport.

Mike Croxford, general manager at Newport Wastesavers, said the group was delighted to have won the award which would provide a boost to all the staff.

Rowland Hill, environmental affairs manager at Marks & Spencer said: “Newport Wastesavers was the outstanding submission in the category amongst a very strong shortlist.

“Newport demonstrates that even well established schemes need to keep innovating.”

Creation Recycling of Rotherham began operating just one year ago and has already made great strides in improving recycling in the town.

Creation chief executive Tony Clabby said: “This award is a tremendous morale boost for everybody concerned with the project.

“It’s wonderful for the company to get national recognition this early on in its life.

“Receiving this award is a major achievement for everyone involved in Creation – staff, directors and the local community.

“We are particularly happy that the award was sponsored by ECT – as successful social enterprises we look to ECT and Newport Wastesavers for inspiration, and we seek to emulate the level of success they have achieved.”

Steve Sears, Chief Executive of award sponsor ECT, added: “Although ECT is now a successful UK-wide social enterprise, we began life as a small community group. Our origins are in the community, and that is why we are pleased to support newcomers and the whole concept of recognising the innovation and commitment of the sector.”

By Sam Bond

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