DEVON towns or villages doing something collectively to improve the quality of life or reduce the strain on finite resources could be in line for an award.

Perhaps you have a vegetable growing co-operative, for example, or a community shop or you belong to a group of locals which has taken over the village pub to save it from closure.

Maybe you are doing something through the local school to help children understand more about the natural world or where their food comes from?

Whatever the details may be, if it's "green", community-based and making a difference in Devon, then it could win the Prince of Wales Award, offered by the Devon County Agricultural Association, together with a first prize of £1,000.

The award is made annually, for community projects, geared to local sustainability.

Last year's winners were the Bickington Village Trust, in South Devon, who had taken over a rather dilapidated church hall and were turning it into a smart and user-friendly social centre for the whole village.

Other recent winners have included "Sustainable South Brent" and the Stokeinteignhead Community Shop and the number of entries has been growing steadily.

"Sustainability has become a major concern for very many rural communities in Devon," says DCAA chief executive, Richard Maunder. "Our aim with the Prince of Wales Award is both to recognise outstanding community projects, and to highlight examples which other towns and villages can follow. Keeping Devon green, in every sense, has become an important part of our mission."

For further details, telephone Lisa Moore on 01392 353781or email her on: [email protected]">[email protected] .