Westcountry Rivers Trust, an environmental charity, took home the top prize at the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards.

The trust, which works to protect and breathe new life into rivers across the region, also bagged the environmental growth honour.

The award ceremony was held at the Royal Cornwall Museum on December 11.

In an almost 30-year journey, the charity's commitment to restoring the local freshwater habitats was recognised and lauded.

They have been utilising science, evidence-based approaches, and their rich experience to fortify the resilience of freshwater resources.

Laurence Couldrick, CEO of Westcountry Rivers Trust, voiced his delight over the recognition.

He reflected: "This is testament to the hard work our team puts into our Cornwall-based projects caring for freshwater habitats, and our collaboration with partners and volunteers to tackle the myriad of issues facing our rivers.

"As we enter our 30th year in 2024, I am proud of what our charity continues to do to help sustain rivers, and I am delighted the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards have bestowed these accolades."

Falmouth Packet: The award ceremony was held at the Royal Cornwall Museum on December 11

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards, now in its 21st year, hosted by Cornwall Council, is a high-profile event praising the work of organisations and individuals in the region for their commitment to sustainability, carbon neutrality and environmental growth.

This year, a new Growing Greener award for tree-planting was introduced, which was won by The Grower, a family-run tree nursery based in St Agnes.

Other winners at the award ceremony included Cleaner Seas Groups for the circular economy section and Treveth Holdings for carbon neutrality.

The most sustainable organisation prizes went to internet provider Wildanet, cheesemakers Lynher Dairies and holiday accommodation company Railholiday.

The sustainable vision award, set up to honour the late chair of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership Mark Duddridge, was clinched by the independent film production company Bosena.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Martyn Alvey, said: "The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards highlights the breadth of innovative organisations we have here in our region and how dedicated they are to helping nature thrive, lowering our impact on the planet and boosting our green economy and skills.

"We want to thank all our amazing entrants and winners and everyone who attended our awards evening for making this such a special event."