That was the view of one judge, Pam Warhurst, while discussing the Green Champion award.

Her view was echoed by her colleagues who agreed there were several standouts.

One such was Paul Brannigan, chief executive of recyclers Kerbside, who Mrs Warhurst described as "an inspiration; polite, determined, passionate; a splendid candidate who has thrown everything he has into Kerbside."

He will be joined on the shortlist by colleague Robert Elliot, one of Kerbside's volunteers who was instrumental in setting up Kerbside in 1998. Before that he worked for Treesponsibility.

Judge Soo Nevison said: "He works tirelessly at the coal face, so to speak, to provide a service he truly believes in. He inspires the other workers and he inspires the customers."

There was praise too for Trudie McCormick of Southdale Homes who will make up the shortlisted trio.

Her role as eco-champion at the builder means she is behind making the business environmentally friendly through reducing fuel consumption and donating money to local green projects.

Judge John Furbisher said: "There is no doubt she goes that extra mile."
But the three will now have a real fight on their hands to be named winner.

As judge Nick Johnston said: "This is a very tough one because the quality is excellent."

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