A GROUNDBREAKING competition which aims to showcase innovative ways of tackling climate change has been extended after receiving an overwhelming response.

The C+ Carbon Positive Awards will now close on Tuesday with Worcestershire companies, organisations and communities benefiting from a three-week extension to get their applications in.

Judges are keen to hear about groundbreaking ways of reducing carbon emissions and how communities are cutting their carbon footprint.

They also want to hear from entrepreneurs who have developed innovative new products and services to help push the ‘green’ agenda.

It is anticipated the awards – which are organised by Business in the Community and supported by Advantage West Midlands – will raise the profile of the West Midlands and build upon the excellent work already undertaken in pioneering the low-carbon economy.

David Darlaston, regional director of Business in the Community, said: “We have had so many nominations from the area it made sense to extend the awards deadline until April 21 to give everyone a chance to participate.

“Taking part will raise the profile of your company and what you are doing in the community and, going forward, this could increase business and funding opportunities respectively.”

There are six categories in the West Midlands C+ Carbon Positive Awards, which are also supported by Sustainability West Midlands, the Midlands Environmental Business Club, the Birmingham Environmental Partner-ship and Argent. The awards are free to enter and application forms are available at bitc.org.uk/ westmidlands. For details, call Alison Maxam at Business in the Community on 0121 4512227 or e-mail alison.maxam@bitc.org.uk.