Green-thinking groups have been given longer to get their entries in for this year's Norwich Eco Awards.

The deadline for entries to this year's awards, which are organised by Norwich City Council in partnership with the Evening News, has been extended to 5pm on Wednesday, February 2.

The awards, which are free to enter, recognise all the hard work which has gone into making Norwich a cleaner, safer, more eco-friendly place to live in, work in and visit.

Everyone who enters gets invited to a special awards ceremony at City Hall where certificates and trophies are presented by the Lord Mayor of Norwich Tom Dylan.

Youngsters you have helped introduce a wildlife area to their school to encourage biodiversity, people who have improved the way their workplace operates to lower the amount of waste you produce or groups which have got the community involved in a litter pick are some examples of those which would be eligible to apply.

Victoria MacDonald, cabinet member for environment at Norwich City Council, said: 'We want to hear from any school, community group or business - no matter how big or small - about what they've been doing, and reward them for the part they play in making Norwich a more eco city.'

There are three categories - schools, community groups and businesses - and all entries will be put forward for the Eco Hero award.

Previous winners include Recreation Road Infant School.

To enter, complete an entry form which can be downloaded from Norwich City Council's website www.norwich.gov.uk from the environmental strategy page or for a paper copy, call John Dougan, energy officer, on 01603 212545.

Full details on how to enter are on the form.