Over the last 12 months Helston has been leading the fight locally against the world’s climate crisis – and now the organisation heading up that push has been recognised for its efforts.

Helston Town Council has become the 18th recipient of the John Mackay Award, which is presented each year to a group or individual who has been working to help the environment.

The wooden trophy is presented annually by Lizard Peninsula Friends of the Earth, in memory of the man who left a bequest in his will to make it possible.

In January the town council agreed to support the Plastic Free Communities campaign and limit its use of single-use plastic, sourcing sustainable alternatives, as well as encourage plastic-free initiatives within Helston.

It led to helium balloons being banned from this year’s Flora Day, at which all stallholders were asked to reduce the plastic they used.

In March the council got behind the creation of Helston Climate Action Group with members of Transition Helston & District and others, declaring a climate emergency later that month.

The group, which is chaired by town councillor Dave Potter and has four other councillors as well as town clerk Chris Dawson as members, is now in the process of putting together an action plan.

Other town and parish councils in Cornwall are now contacting Helston for advice on the best way to set up such groups and follow its example in declaring a climate emergency.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of the Earth at the award presentation was Judith Haycock, herself a former councillor.

She said: “Thinking back, I've had contact with the council for over 20 years when I became a town councillor. Over those years, in small ways the council has always considered its effect on the environment.

“Twenty years ago it was always glasses on the tables and they have never been tempted, as many councils have, to change to the quicker option of plastic cups.

“In more recent years they have changed to recycled paper and I notice that some councillors are working electronically. They are keen to promote the recycling message and help Cornwall Council with that.

“However this award is for the great strides that the council has been making in the last year. Even before the start of the public awareness of the plastic pollution by David Attenborough the council launched the Plastic Free Helston campaign.

“In these tough economic times it is difficult for businesses to make even small changes but the council has led the way, meeting with businesses, individuals and groups, organising an information event and setting up a group.

“And then the big one; the council declared a climate emergency at the beginning of the year. But not just declared, they are now working with the community in topic based workshops to produce a plan of what can be done.

“The council should be commended for firstly listening to the concerns of local residents and taking them seriously, secondly declaring a climate emergency and committing to working towards carbon neutrality, and thirdly being open to working closely with their local community and other councils.

“There is a long way to go; the council have made a really good start and other councils are watching closely what is happening here in Helston.”