Campaigners for the environment from High Ongar and Thornwood Common have been honoured in a new set of Epping Forest District Civic Awards.

Parish councillor Derek Berwin, a founder member of High Ongar Parish Yeomanry, was winner of the Environmental Action prize.

His citation said: "Projects which would never have been started without Derek's involvement include tidying roadside verges, planting wildflower seeds, renovating ponds and planting trees."

Runner-up was James Waters, of Thornwood Common, for the construction of a wildlife pond which is now a haven for amphibians, insects and birds, such as kingfishers and herons.

Runner-up in the community Environmental Action Awards was the Parish Yeomanry for its work in and around the village. Chairman David Knight picked up the certificate.

And pupils from Stapleford Abbotts Primary won third place in the schools section for their planting of trees and shrubs in the grounds.

All the environmental winners were joined by Epping Forest's Voley Vole, the character which highlights the ecological message throughout the district.

In a year in which Essex Police take over large sections of an area formerly administered by the Metropolitan service, Inspector Peter Hesketh, of High Ongar, won the awards' police medal for community service.

Mr Hesketh, section inspector based in Epping, was praised for "the highest standards of community policing."

The citation added: "He is totally committed, not only through his work but also in his spare time as the chairman of Ongar and District Bereavement Service which helps local people through a most difficult period of their lives."

In the arts, pianist and budding composer William Searl, of Bowes Drive, Ongar, will use his £300 awards bursary to buy computer equipment to further his studies.

Two local schemes won District Design Awards. Great Stony Park, a conversion of former school buildings into new homes in Ongar, won the residential award.

Architects Francis Brown and Mike Deadman and Mark Kingsley and Peter Gurr, of Taywood Homes, who picked up the trophy, were praised for the development which also includes the town's new arts and education centre.

The controversial refurbishment of the derelict Bull and Horseshoes pub near junction seven of the M11, shared the General and Commercial award.

Despite some local opposition, the pub has reopened as a McDonald's but with the old faade retained and enhanced. The burger giant and its architects were praised for proving "that huge multi-national companies can adapt to local need by creating a sensitive and carefully-designed scheme."

Green team: Voley Vole congratulates James Waters (left) and Derek Berwin on their environmental awards.

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