A MENTAL health charity is celebrating after being named a green champion at a national award ceremony on Monday.

Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind’s Work 2 Grow programme was one of only three charity-run projects to be recognised at the 2010 Green Apple awards, which seek to promote and reward environmental best practice among UK businesses.

The project received its environmental award in recognition of its efforts to integrate sustainable development into all activities.

The Work 2 Grow scheme, offers accredited training courses in woodworking and joinery to people in the Yarmouth area who are affected by mental ill health.

It received the award because of its ongoing commitment to using recycled materials such as wood diverted from landfill, and for its efforts to raise awareness with learners about the impact of waste on the environment.

Sylvia Moore, chief executive of Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind, said: “We’re thrilled to receive a second successive Green Apple award and will continue to use our knowledge and expertise to educate others about the need for environmentally friendly business practices.”