A South Hams Waste and Recycling crew has been named as Runner-Up in the Recycle Devon Thank You Awards.

The Yealmpton Waste and Recycling crew was just pipped at the post in the annual awards which celebrate people in our communities who go the extra mile to keep Devon recycling.

They were nominated by Yealmpton residents for their positive attitude, and willingness to go out of their way to help residents, particularly the elderly. During the snow and ice, members of the crew volunteered to stay at work to help with the waste backlog.

Yealmpton also received a nomination for the People’s Choice Award, but just missed out to West Devon Borough Council’s crew.

The awards were held on Friday 16 March at County Hall in Exeter. Cllr Keith Baldry, Ward Member for Newton and Yealmpton and Jane Savage, Commissioning Manager (Waste) at South Hams District Council were amongst those attending.

Cllr Baldry said: “Although it’s a shame that the crew didn’t win first prize, we are still incredibly proud that they were nominated, and there’s certainly no shame in runner-up. Their commitment and work ethic is a real example for us all and I’m quite sure that next year they will sweep the board.”

Recycle Devon is a partnership of 10 councils including Devon County Council, eight district authorities (including West Devon Borough Council) and one unitary authority.

Chairman of Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee (DASWC) Councillor Duncan Wood said: “These awards have been a great success, with 1200 people voting for their recycling hero. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. It’s thanks to you that at last count 55.4 per cent of the total rubbish collected or taken to the county’s numerous recycling centres was recycled and makes Devon one of the top recycling counties.”

All the winners and runners up received special handmade Recycle Devon Awards, made from recycled glass bottles and supplied by Devon-based Company Glass Reform.