Norwich's green heroes will be honoured in February when the city holds its fifth annual eco awards.

The competition, organised by the city council and backed by the Evening News, seeks to champion organisations and individuals who have made an environmentally-friendly contribution to the city in the last year.

Nominations are now open for the four categories which include eco school, community group, small business and large business.

Projects undertaken could include a recycling scheme, cutting waste, saving energy or encouraging biodiversity.

Firms wanting to enter the small business category should have less than 50 staff, while large businesses should have more than 50 staff.

All entries will be put forward for the eco hero title, which recognises the hard work of an individual or group towards making Norwich a cleaner and safer place in which to live and work.

Last year's eco hero was Dr Jeremy Bartlett from Grapes Hill Community Garden project.

The Small Business award went to hair salon FresHair run by Sue Helps in the Golden Triangle, while the winner of the large Business Category was Broadland Housing Group, which established an environmental champions group to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Community Group was won by North African Community Association Organic Garden for its Ray of Hope – Youth Horticultural Skills Training Project.

City Academy Norwich brought together a group of students to form an eco council and won the schools award.

You can download an entry form from www.norwich.gov.uk or contact environmental strategy officer Claire Tullett on 01603 212545 or email clairetullett@norwich.gov.uk for a form.

The awards, which will be held on Thursday February 28, are only open to organisations based within the Norwich City Council area.

The closing date for entries is Friday January 25.

•Do you have a story about the environment for the Evening News? Contact reporter Tom Bristow on 01603772313 or email tom.bristow@archant.co.uk.