Green awards finalists announced

The shortlist for the 2014 Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards has been announced with a good showing from Exeter businesses.

A total of 55 entries were received, with judges implementing tough criteria to select the finalists in each category.

DEBI Chair Andy Vickery, said: “We’re delighted to have such a wide range of businesses and educational initiatives from all areas of Devon represented in the shortlist.

“The judges will be visiting all of them over the coming weeks in order to make an informed decision on the outright winners in each category. They also have the hard task of choosing one overall winner.”

Sustainable Food, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure finalists are the Real Food Store, Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Larkbeare Grange and Paignton Zoo.

Shortlisted for Green Goods & Services are Exeter's Real Food Store, SunGift Solar, Twool and South West Highways.

For Sustainable Ethos, Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Otter Nurseries, Exeter Community Initiatives (for the Bike Bank) and Whitehill Country Park are finalists.

Environmental Champion candidates are Felicity Sylvester of North Devon’s Brilliant Fish, Devon Wildlife Trust volunteer, Joyce Dignam, Simon Friend - a tutor at South West Energy Centre in Paignton, and Brian O’Brien, Park Ranger Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in Exmouth.

Finalists in new category, Environmental Education are Devon Wildlife Trust, St Sidwells C of E Primary School, Exeter, Okehampton Primary School and Southwest Beach Schools.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on November 20 at the Met Office.