The organisers of the Supervalu Best Kept Awards have announced a new 'Go Wild' category for places that create homes for their wild neighbours. The new biodiversity award will reward the council or community group that does the most to protect local wildlife and plants.

The 2008 awards were launched by Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) at Parkanaur Manor House this week.

NIAC resident Doreen Muskett MBE said: "For half a century the Best Kept Awards have helped motivate people to make the most of their outdoor spaces, to protect our diverse landscapes and townscapes and hopefully make Northern Ireland a better place to live and work.

" There is a wide range of factors impacting negatively on our native plants and animals, including threatened habitat and climate change and people in towns and villages across Northern Ireland are doing their bit to help. It is these communities we want to recognise."

SuperValu Best Kept Award patron Joe Mahon, who presents UTV's Lesser Spotted Ulster, said: " We are lucky to have a beautiful and varied environment, one that demands, not only to be maintained but also to be enhanced."

The closing date for the awards is April 25. Healthcare Facility Awards close on May 30 and the Schools category is open until March 7. Entry forms are available from NIAC on 9040 3681 or visit www.niacbestkept.com for more information.