Fifteen Cockermouth area churches have been awarded for their environmental efforts.

The A Rocha Eco Church Bronze Award has been given to all the churches in The Grasmoor Mission Community, which consists of Church of England, Methodist and United Reformed churches in Cockermouth and surrounding villages.

Rev Canon Jane Charman, leader of the Mission Community, said: "I’m delighted that we have earned this Bronze Award which demonstrates our strong commitment to protecting and preserving God’s creation. Nothing could be more urgent at the moment.

"All 15 churches individually have now gained their Bronze Award which represents a lot of hard work by a great many people over the past year.

"The award is given to churches in England and Wales that have expressed particular care for the world in their worship and teaching, in how they look after their buildings and land, in how they engage with the local and global community, and in the personal lifestyles of their congregations."

The churches are planning to keep up their good work.

"We’re now going for our Silver Award and hope that all our churches will have achieved this by this time next year," said Rev Charman.

https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/23599062.record-number-sporty-cockermouth-students-receive-grants/

One of the churches, Christ Church, Cockermouth, was in the local and national news last December for its innovative indoor ‘thermal tent’ which kept the church warm during the winter months while also reducing carbon emissions and saving money on heating bills. The idea has been copied by churches around the country.

Christ Church has also qualified as an Animal Friendly Church.

Times and Star: Gareth Browning, area forester with Forestry England, speaks about ‘Biodiversity and Rewilding’ at Big Green DayGareth Browning, area forester with Forestry England, speaks about ‘Biodiversity and Rewilding’ at Big Green Day (Image: Supplied)

The Grasmoor Mission Community and Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area recently hosted a Great Big Green Weekend as part of national Great Big Green Week, the UK’s celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.

A Great Big Green Day was held in Christ Church with stalls, activities and refreshments. Speakers included Gareth Browning, Wild Ennerdale Partnership, and Robert Alford, Fellow of the Nuclear Institute.

All the churches marked their award achievement with an eco-themed service.