A RIBBLE Valley church is set to be rewarded for its green stance.

St John's Church, Hurst Green, is being presented with an Eco-Congregation Award -- an accolade which recognises how churches and parishioners take on board environmental issues.

The award will be presented to the church by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David James.

The church is the first in Lancashire and the Diocese of Bradford to receive the ecumenical award, and one of only 23 churches in the country.

The event will include a talk by Natasha Edwards, a local energy advice officer, and the church's new low-energy lighting will be switched on and dedicated. Free low-energy light bulbs will also be distributed.

Parochial Church Council secretary Claire Hyde said: "We're thrilled by the Eco-Congregation Award. Working towards it has given us a real focus and boost.

"The scheme is designed to affirm the good environmental work of churches and witness to the wider world that churches care for God's creation."

She explained: "The award is given to churches that have undertaken an environmental audit and have developed activities or initiatives in spiritual, practical and community-focused ways.

"The most ambitious thing we have done was to arrange an environmental conference in October. We've also sponsored bulb planting around the churchyard, installed new low-energy lighting and the children will be helping us establish a wildlife garden.

"Compared to the work of urban parishes, the mission outreach in a rural parish can sometimes feel less than worthwhile.

"But this has been a really encouraging process showing us what we can do to make a difference."

The presentation of the award is next Thursday at 7pm.