THE best of Wychavon's eco-friendly businesses, schools and residents were announced at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by Alistair McGowan.

Finalists gathered at Wychavon District Council’s 2016 Intelligently Green Awards to receive awards for their work in promoting environmentally positive projects.

The ceremony took place at Pershore College on Friday and awards were presented by the celebrity impressionist, who was born in Evesham.

Five finalists were crowned winners in categories including: individual and household, small business, larger business and public sector, community group and school.

Councillor Emma Stokes, Executive Board member for Environment and Street Scene at Wychavon, said: "Our judges had a tough enough time selecting the finalists and an even more challenging debate was had as we discussed the possible winners from such a high standard of green projects.

"But in the end the quality of the winners selected really shone through. We want them to act as an inspiration to other individuals, businesses and community groups in showing how creative and intelligently green schemes can really work for everyone in Wychavon."

Scooping the title in the individual and household category was Stephen Martin, who works with initiatives including the Vale Local Food Festival.

Best community group went to Sedgeberrow Sustainable and Manageable Energy (SeSaME), which co-ordinated the installation of solar panels at the village hall and primary school.

Walsh Mushrooms won the large business category for its work installing solar panels and LED lighting at its Evesham distribution depot.

Meanwhile St Nicholas Federation Green Team scooped won the schools category, based on its work transforming a messy piece of land into an enjoyable outdoor space.

Finally, UNIQ Furniture - which upcycles unwanted items - jointly won the small business category with Pershore Weir Hydro Project.

The Hyrdro Project is a 236 kW hydropower scheme on the River Avon, protecting a farm from flooding, generating green electricity for Pershore Leisure Centre, promoting wildlife habitats and generating a return on investment for the owner.

The overall winner of the 2016 Intelligently Green Awards for 2016 was SeSaME.

Cherrie Mansfield, strategy and performance manager at Wychavon and organiser of the awards, said: "We were impressed with the way SeSaME has developed over the last two years.

"Its work picks up a number of elements of our Intelligently Green Plan. The group is a great example of a whole community working together to reduce the carbon footprint of their village."

Mike Parker, from SeSaME, said: "It’s great. Unbelievable. It will generate a lot of interest in the village. We couldn’t have done it without the help of other people and organisations. It’s good to see Wychavon coming up with new initiatives."

For more information about the awards visit intelligently-green.com