THE WORK of ordinary people, teachers and pupils in helping our environment has been celebrated with an Argus award.

The New City Anglers group and Penllwyn Primary School are the winners of Green Community Awards, held in association with SWALEC.

Penllwyn Primary School, Blackwood, has won £750 for the work of their eco-committee.

They have helped build five gardens to attract birds, insects and other wildlife to the school, and have nest boxes throughout their grounds.

Pupils feed the birds every day and collect rainwater to water the gardens’ plants.

The school’s deputy head Jackie Nash said: "It is wonderful to see the eco club’s efforts being recognised by others."

Meanwhile New City Anglers – a group of volunteers who maintain the rejuvenated Lliswerry Pond in Newport – were awarded £500.

Since the pond went under a £600,000 refit, the volunteers have been employed to keep it in a fit state of repair.

The site was described by group chairman Pat Bill as a "mess" before the group was organised, but is now an attractive fishing spot in the middle of the Alway estate.

They have since won fishing rights for the pond, having already run competitions at the site.

Anglers’ chairman Pat Bill said: "The prize money has come at the perfect time as we are planning to re-stock the pond.

"Thanks to the hard work of all the local fishing volunteers it is now a pleasure to visit", He added that next year they offer club membership so more can enjoy the pond.

Adam Ward of SWALEC said they were proud to have sponsored the awards.

He said: "The entries we received were all outstanding and we would like to thank everyone who entered the competition for their submissions."