Schools across the county are being encouraged to earn recognition for their environmental projects, by entering the 2009 SuperValu Best Kept School Awards before the closing date of this Friday March 6.

The prize money for winning schools has more than doubled and is now £300 per school, with runners up getting £120. The overall winning school receives an additional £200.

Over 200 schools entered the 2008 awards with Lisbellaw Primary School picking up an award.

Doreen Muskett MBE, President of Northern Ireland Amenity Council, one of the competition organisers, said one of the main aims of the Awards was to get more young people interested in the environment given their involvement is key to the future health of our landscapes, townscapes and wildlife.

"It is always a difficult task to judge the entries to the awards, because the quality is so consistently high. The number of schools now with their own environmental projects such as wildlife gardens, recycling, ponds and willow domes, as well as clean and tidy grounds is truly impressive."

As well as cash prizes all category winners receive a personalised sign and a perpetual trophy and runners up will be recognised with a certificate.

The SuperValu Best Kept School Awards will be judged during April and May and winning schools will be presented with their prizes in June. Entry forms are available from NIAC on 9040 3681 or go to www.niacbestkept.com for more information.