A COMMUNITY group has won an award for helping more businesses go green.

The Basildon Green Business Forum won a Green Apple Award for its work in the district, offering free advice for businesses that want to be environmentally friendly, and save money.

Led by Colin Stroud and Keith Smith and funded by Basildon Council, the forum works on issues such as saving energy and reducing waste.

Mr Smith said he believed the group had helped companies save a total of more than £1million over the past three years.

He said: “Businesses in Basildon must be among the leaders when it comes to green issues.

“It’s nice to know that the work you’re doing is a challenge that’s appreciated.”

The group is the only forum in the UK to have given free environmental advice to businesses for more than ten years, supported by a local council.

Members also visits schools and help young people with projects from sustainable energy to eco-friendly shopping.

Mr Stroud and Mr Smith picked up their award, run by independent environmental group the Green Organisation, from the House of Commons.