DARWEN Cricket Club has been short-listed for a top national environmental award with a chance to receive £7,000.

The club fought off tough competition in the Biffaward Awards 2006 and will face four other projects in the finals.

Biffaward is a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services to support environmental and community-based projects.

The awards ceremony, held annually to recognise the environmental efforts of local groups who have best used their grants, is on October 10 at Northmoor Trust Education Centre, Oxford.

The club has been praised for its use of the clubhouse and facilities by local people for both sporting and social events.

Judges have commented on its strong links with local schools and many local organisations who use the clubhouse rooms and facilities.

The club's £1,510 grant has been used to replace the concrete pathway around the playing area, which had fallen into disrepair.

The new safe' pathway now enables wheelchair access to all parts of the ground.

Ian Cordingley, club development manager at the Darwen club said: "We are trying to open up the grounds so that they are available to everyone.

"The Darwen side of the ground was dangerous for wheelchairs and prams and anyone who was not so steady on their feet, but now with the new path anyone can use it. We have even given keys to various nursing homes in Darwen so they can use the grounds for a bit of peace and quiet on a nice day, even when there isn't a game on.

"We are very happy with what we have achieved and glad our efforts have been noticed.

"I really hope we win. We have many ideas for the money but I would have to consult the board first."

Martin Bettington, chairman of Biffaward, said: "Competition for this year's awards was the strongest yet and to be short-listed is a great achievement.

"The judges have a difficult task on their hands to pick a winner."