As our successful campaign draws to a close, the final winners are honoured for remarkable achievements in improving the environment

Campaigner Anita Birch was honoured at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's annual Grimewatch awards when she was named as Grimebuster of the Year.

Announcing the winner of the prestigious award, assistant editor Nick Nunn praised her for doing "wonders" in spite of a recent illness.

Mr Nunn said: "Anita has worked tirelessly to bring to fruition her vision of a haven of peace and tranquillity for the use of many members of the community."

Mrs Birch, of the friends of Pennine House at Burnley General Hospital, has persevered against the odds to make a garden within the hospital grounds such a success.

She was handed the award by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice, one of the many guests at the annual ceremony, this year held at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley -- winner of last year's High Schools category.

More than 140 entries had been received this year, whittled down to a shortlist of 26, and eight of them scooped honours across the various categories. There were also the main awards of Grimebuster and Junior Grimebuster, the latter won by youngster Stuart Vine.

The 12-year-old was so upset by a grot-spot near his Accrington home he rounded up his pals and took action with an organised clean-up. Gordon Prentice handed him his trophy and a cheque for £100.

The pupil of Moorhead School, Accrington, said: "I thinks it's great. I knew nothing about this and it was a nice surprise." Nick Nunn, who fronted the ceremony, said each entry had been worthy of an award.

He praised them and the Grimewatch campaign, which this year comes to an end after 12 years.

He said: "Over the past 12 years the campaign has won a number of national awards and I hope provided a means for people throughout Lancashire to come together and work to improve our environment. None of this could have happened without the enthusiasm and commitment of an awful lot of people, particularly our sponsors Tidy Britain Group, Groundwork, BAe Systems and the Environment Agency, and the fantastic work of our co-ordinators, especially Lynn Schofield without whose planning, thought and hard work none of this would have happened."

Mr Nunn said the Lancashire Evening Telegraph would still put its weight behind future environmental campaigns, ensuring East Lancashire will be an even better place to live. A total of 145 entries were received but the severe weather which has battered, flooded and frozen East Lancashire over the past few months, took its toll, forcing many to be withdrawn.

Mr Nunn said those honoured were only the tip of the iceberg.

He said: "All over East Lancashire, individuals, small groups and large and small organisations are beavering away trying to make the area a better place to live. Some may have won prizes but none is a loser and neither is our environment."

Mr Prentice praised the Telegraph for the "marvellous" Grimewatch project which had made such a difference to the environment.