A CHURCH has been recognised for its environmental credentials with a prestigious award.

St John’s Church, in Hartley Wintney, was judged sufficiently ‘green’ in all areas of church life to achieve the Bronze Eco Church award, which it celebrated during its two services on Sunday.

The award recognised a number of factors including the earth-focused service St John’s holds most years; the church’s coffee shop serves only ethical Fairtrade coffee and hot chocolate; members of the church were recently involved in Christian Aid’s Big Shift campaign, presenting messages from the congregation asking banks to move their investments from fossil fuels to renewable energy; St John’s uses green electricity and gas; and has an ethical food policy, which means it purchases free range meat for church functions.

The Venerable Richard Brand of Winchester Diocese, who presented the award to some young members of the congregation, said: "The church is committed to constantly improving our care for creation and I’m delighted to share in celebrating with St John’s, Hartley Wintney, their wonderful achievement of a bronze Eco Church award. I hope what they have accomplished will encourage others in their community and many other churches.’

Ian Coster, a member of the Creation Care Committee at St John’s said: "We are a busy church, with lots of breakfasts, bacon butties and barbecues in the summer. It’s fun to provide food and eat together, but even better now that we are doing so without causing unnecessary suffering to fellow-creatures."

The award plaque, made from recycled pews by a community group that works with disabled people, was awarded to two children to symbolise that caring for the earth is a way of giving to future generations.