Street Pride volunteers from across Fenland were able to give themselves a well deserved pat on the back at a celebration evening.

In the past six months, more than 100 community events have been held by the 10 Street Pride groups and five affiliated Friends groups which have seen local groups transform neglected areas and buildings across Fenland.

Guests at the celebration, which was held at The Oliver Cromwell hotel in March, heard presentations by Mary Larham from the Manea School of Gardening and Penny Stocks from Wisbech Street Pride, who gave a fascinating insight into some of the efforts put into community projects that are recognised by the Anglia In Bloom competition.

Each group received a certificate of thanks in appreciation of their continuing efforts over the past year to improve their local street scene and open spaces.

Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the environment, who presented the certificates, said: “The efforts from residents and businesses have been truly exceptional all year round. Community groups continue to deliver some fantastic projects that have made a real difference to the appearance of the area, and most importantly can be enjoyed by all.”

Special prizes were also awarded to the following organisations:

Best Nature Project: Wisbech Street Pride/In Bloom – for sowing poppies in support of the nationwide campaign being run by the Royal British Legion.

Best Street Scene Project: Chatteris Street Pride/In Bloom and Royal British Legion Youth Division – for transforming the bus shelter in East Park Street with a First World War memorial design

Best Youth Project: Whittlesey Street Pride/In Bloom and Park Lane Primary School – for the community tree planting day and enhancing the sensory garden at the school

Best Community Project: Friends of March Railway Station – for refurbishing two rooms at March railway station to make a library and meeting room that can be used by the community

Best Clean Up: Newton Street Pride – for the high profile Dog Fouling campaign

Pride in Fenland: Parson Drove Street Pride and Alderman Payne Primary School – for projects such as the Willow Den and commemoration projects remembering the start of the First World War

A special certificate was presented to Thomas Dietz, 16, in appreciation of his continued efforts since the age of 10 to make Whittlesey a cleaner and greener place to enjoy.

For more details on how you can contribute to a community-led project, call Rebecca Robinett, FDC’s Street Pride coordinator on 01354 654321 or e-mail rrobinett@fenland.gov.uk