AN environmentally conscious events venue is in line to win a top Goldstar Award from Green Tourism for its commitment to sustainability.

Chamber member,The Wellbeing Farm in Edgworth has been shortlisted for the category of Best Conference / Events Venue and is among 60 UK finalists drawn from a total of more than 2,400 contenders whittled down to make the list of nominations for 13 award categories.

Now in its fourth year the annual awards aim to honour those businesses and organisations that have done the most to promote sustainability by implementing cost-saving practices that help the environment, improve customer service and benefit the bottom line.

As the only Lancashire business to reach the final Wellbeing Farm is up against 35 other businesses from England, 22 from Scotland, one from Wales and one from Northern Ireland. All were nominated after being assessed for their innovation, cost savings and green ambassadorship.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Green Tourism Annual conference on November 10 during a special ceremony held in the the Palace Hotel, Manchester.

Andrea Nicholas, Director of Green Tourism, said: "The Goldstar Awards are a recognition of the best of the best in Britain when it comes to creating and maintaining a thriving sustainable tourism industry.

“A total of 60 green tourism businesses from across the UK have been shortlisted for the Goldstar Awards this year out of more than 2,400 entries. These finalists represent the best of the best, the top 3 per cent of Green Tourism businesses in the UK.

“The standard has been exceptionally high this year and every one of the shortlisted finalists have shown a dedicated commitment to providing consumers with great service and value for money while at the same time championing the cause of sustainability.”

Green Tourism was launched 17 years ago and is now the biggest of its kind in the world having helped nearly 10,000 businesses improve their commitment to sustainability. It is considered one of the most rigorous of its kind and is the only certification programme independently validated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) on behalf of VisitEngland, VisitWales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and endorsed by VisitScotland and Failte Ireland.

The organisation has become a world leader in highlighting the importance of protecting environments, respecting local cultures, supporting communities, conserving natural resources and minimising pollution.