A COMPETITION to promote community pride is gathering pace as borough bosses search for green schemes in Dudley.

A top prize of £500 is on offer in the ninth Community Pride competition which aims to find individuals or groups who work to improve the environment.

A wide range of schemes like street clean-ups, energy-saving initiatives and art in public spaces could all feature in the competition which is sponsored by Dudley Community Partnership.

Alex Webb, Dudley Council sustainable development officer, said: "We've had a fantastic response to this year's community pride so far but Dudley council is very keen to encourage groups to enter and stand a chance to win vital funds for their project."

The competition, including a junior section for under 16s with a £100 prize, was launched last month, the closing date for entries of Thursday June 14.

Alex Webb said: "There is just a couple of weeks to go to the deadline, so pick up an application from your local leisure centre, library or community centre."

In 2006, Friends of Wollescote Park won the £500 prize for its Parks for People at Stevens Park after completing a number of projects including sensory gardens, creating a wildlife garden and 100 rose bushes around Wollescote Hall.

For more information contact Alex Webb on 01384 814403 or visit www.dudley.gov.uk.