Community spirit was rewarded when schools, businesses, voluntary groups and individuals were presented with awards and certificates for their involvement in International Clean Up Mansfield Day 2015.

The ceremony at Mansfield Library followed the successful third annual clean-up day in June.

Coun Andrew Tristram, portfolio holder for the environment at Mansfield District Council, said two more clean-up events were planned, including one in preparation for the Queen’s 90th birthday next year.

“These awards are to celebrate and recognise all the hard work involved in the international event,” he said.

“It’s great to see a diverse range of community groups involved.”

Winners were:

Schools Award – 1st, Asquith Primary School, Mansfield; 2nd, Holly Primary School, Forest Town; 3rd, Farmilo Primary School, Pleasley.
Community Award – Oak Tree Conservation Group, Mansfield.
Friends’ Groups Award – Friends of Yeoman Hill Park and 4th Mansfield Woodhouse Scouts.
Business Award – Healthy High Street Group’s painting team.

The clean-up event attracted the support of more than 50 groups and individuals, including in Mansfields in the USA and Canada.

In the UK, Mansfield BID was joined by staff from the Royal Bank of Scotland, Mansfield Building Society, Boots and Marks and Spencer to paint benches, railings and bollards in the town centre.

Among the groups who took part in the clean-up in Mansfield in June was Innova House, a residential home for disabled people with five sites across Mansfield.
Ellie Parton, who runs Innova House Day Service and Personal Centre Planning, was at the awards ceremony with some of the Innova House residents.

She said: “They got so much out of the day. It gives them a sense of being part of the community and it is about making sure these guys get out and about and do things that everyone else does. It adds to their lives and they enjoyed being involved.”
Coun Tristram added: “The photographs taken on the day show the activities did make a difference to the local environment.

“Next year’s clean-up will take place on 10th June – let’s make it our biggest yet. But before that join us for the Clean For The Queen campaign in March.”
That event will see a nationwide drive to clean-up Britain on the first weekend in March in time for the Queen’s.

Details about next year’s International Clean Up Mansfield Day are at www.mansfield.gov.uk/cleanup

Pictured is the winning Asquith School team with Coun Andrew Tristram.