The Coca-Cola Coast Care Awards, managed by TIDY Northern Ireland, reward outstanding efforts by individuals and groups to clean up our beaches, from Benone on the North Coast right through to Cranfield Beach under the shadow of the Mournes. Due to popular demand last year's awards were extended to include volunteers working along our rivers and loughs, and this will be extended to 2012's events.

Each year registered Coast Care groups, representing over 2,000 individuals each volunteering an average of two hours, are lifting tonnes of dangerous, unsightly rubbish. In addition to the commonly encountered flotsam and jetsam, broken glass, plastic bags and confectionary litter, items removed have also included fishing nets, tents, tyres, bikes and even a message in a bottle.

TIDY Northern Ireland Chief Executive Dr Ian Humphreys was thrilled with the increased response generated in the second year of the awards. "TIDY Northern Ireland is delighted to be able to recognise the real contribution volunteers make in combating the litter in our rivers and loughs and on our beaches. People's enthusiasm is infectious and these awards show that taking pride in the places where we live can make a real difference."

Gillian Shields, Public Relations Executive of Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, added, "Northern Ireland is world famous for its dramatic and beautiful coastlines, but in order to keep it that way, local communities must take responsibility for their beaches, keep them clean and uphold their natural beauty. The Coca-Cola 'Clean Coast Programme' provides a great incentive for individuals and communities to be pro-active in doing this.

Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is proud to support the Clean Coast Programme and the Coast Care Awards. As a local company we have been investing in community projects for some 70 years and are proud to be working hand in hand with TIDY Northern Ireland, an organisation that is committed to protecting our local environment and championing environmental change for Northern Ireland's coastline and waterways. Congratulations to all the beach managers and local communities from around Northern Ireland on achieving these prestigious awards."

All the group award winners receive a commemorative award in recognition of their efforts plus a framed certificate. Individual winners receive £100 worth of equipment of their choice.

The application form can be found here . You can post or submit your entry form electronically to Patricia Magee, TIDY Northern Ireland, Bridge House, Paulett Avenue, Belfast, BT5 4HD or email patricia.magee@tidynorthernireland.org .

This year's competition deadline is Friday September 14th at 5pm.