THE Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve have been shortlisted as finalists for the Tidy Wales Awards.

Supported by the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales, the Tidy Wales Awards recognises groups throughout Wales who work tirelessly to improve their local environment.

The Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve has been shortlisted for the Biodiversity Award, sponsored by Western Power Distribution.

The group’s aim is to improve the use and understanding of the Local Nature Reserve for the benefit of wildlife and the wider community.

Over the last year, with support from the local primary school, football team and Scout group, Friends of Henllys has successfully maintained an orchard, created new habitats for small mammals and further developed a wildflower area.

Tricia Davies of Friends of Henllys LNR, said: "We are delighted that our many hours of hard work are being recognised. We must give a big thank you to all the local schools and groups who have helped us to achieve all of this in the last 12 months."

The shortlisted three groups for each category have been invited to attend a award ceremony in Cardiff on February 26.

Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Natural Resources said: “Clean, safe, communities benefit everyone. Everybody has a part to play in looking after their local environments so that they are conserved and enhanced for future generations.

“The groups shortlisted for this year’s Tidy Wales Awards are all worthy finalists that have improved the quality of life for people in their communities.”

Lesley Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, added: “The Tidy Wales Awards celebrates people from all ages taking part in a wide range of green initiatives, all with the common goal of making Wales a better and tidier place.”