COUNCIL staff have been given a top award for their green credentials.

Colchester Council workers took part in a green office work initiative which encouraged them to think about the environment.

Enforcement team leader Claire Havell scooped the staff award for getting her team involved in green issues despite the group working remotely.

She said: “I was completely surprised and enormously proud to receive this award.

“I spent green office week encouraging my team to think about a range of environmental issues, such as energy-use in the offices and the pros and cons of air-conditioning compared to windows.

“I’m already looking forward to next year’s green office week and hope to get other remote-working teams involved to spread the word about working in a more sustainable way.”

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) said:”As a council we are fully committed to meeting, and where possible exceeding, our environmental obligations, and have embraced progressive, award-winning policies to help minimise our impact on climate change and the wider environment.

“We won the environmental awareness category at the Countywide Essex Business Awards, for our excellent work as one of the first councils to develop and adopt an environmental sustainability strategy.”