Cut Your Carbon

Back in March 2008 we heard how the BBC in the East and The East of England Development Agency were coming together to help you to Cut Your Carbon

This saw the introduction of a new campaign, giving communities across the region the opportunity to learn more about carbon cutting measures.

Now nine communities from across the East of England, with two here in Suffolk, have been shortlisted to battle it out for a share of £500,000.

It's the first round of the regional competition to find innovative and inspiring ways of cutting carbon emissions.

The Suffolk finalists are:

Sproughton- A Suffolk village that intends to use the funds to breathe new life into the Tithe Barn, making it the flagship of their award winning carbon reduction project.

Wenhaston Energy Support Group (WESG) - who have applied for funds to generate energy for their village hall, which provides vital facilities for this rural community in Suffolk with poor access to local services.

These communities will now present, on 8 July 2008, in a friendly Dragon's Den style event to a panel of expert judges.

As well as the carbon cutting potential of the projects, the communities will have to demonstrate a sound business plan, to win funding of up to £200,000 per project.

Keep listening to BBC Radio Suffolk and checking back here on the website for further updates.