SCHOOLS and community groups in East Lancashire can win a cash prize in a competition to recognise projects that have made neighbourhoods cleaner, greener or safer.

There are just two weeks left to enter the national competition, A Picture of Change. It was launched by the government and is being run in partnership with the environmental charity Groundwork and with the support of Barclays SiteSavers.

To be in with a chance of winning a prize of up to £6,000 groups need to tell the story of their achievements in pictures and words.

The competition is open to local groups throughout the area who have been working voluntarily to make their neighbourhoods cleaner, safer or greener.

Mike Parr, executive director of Groundwork East Lancashire, said: "It is not about how large or small a project is, it's about the difference it has made to the way people feel about their area.

"Local people know what improvements they want to see - from renovating green spaces and play areas to making the street more attractive with art of tidy-up operations.

"This is a great opportunity for community groups."