GREEN-FINGERED volunteers have been awarded after changing people's lives through gardening and being close to nature.

The Land Trust’s Green Angels scheme runs environmental training courses and volunteering sessions across Warrington, benefitting many people by helping them set up their own landscaping businesses and boosting their employability.

In addition to the celebration of trainees, an event which was held at The Gateway on Sankey Street was an opportunity for people to learn about the opportunities available across the town for people who are interested in the outdoors and the environment.

Representatives from Reaseheath College, Myerscough College, The Conservation Volunteers, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, United Utilities and Continental Landscapes provided information to anyone interested in the sector.

Liz Taylor, a Green Angels graduate and volunteer, said: "I joined Green Angels to upskill, to do something for the environment and to change things around my own area.

"It enabled me to get the skills that lead on to qualifications so I can take teams of people out and improve our immediate area.

"Working together as a team and meeting new people has been particularly good.

"It’s refreshing to know there are lots of people interested in nature, which you tend to forget unless you’re involved in a team.

"I hadn’t realised the depth of the friendships and the contacts that I’d make. I would recommend it to anyone."

Carolyn Hassall, Green Angels Project Leader, said: "This is a very exciting time for Green Angels and I am thrilled to be able to take the time to recognise the positive outcomes of the scheme in Warrington.

"We have some fantastic people involved with the courses and volunteering and it’s important that they know how much we value their time, commitment and success.

"We welcome anyone who is interested in the courses or volunteering to get involved.

"The event really showed what can be achieved by these fantastic people."

The Green Angels scheme holds sessions in Great Sankey, Westbrook and Bewsey throughout the year.

Anyone who is interested Green Angels scheme should contact Carolyn Hassall at the Land Trust via carolynhassall@thelandtrust.org.uk or 852005.