Bradford Council's Environmental Taskforce has won a regional award for its contribution to improving lives.

The team received the accolade at the Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber 2007 awards which recognise the achievements of councils and fire authorities across the region.

The Taskforce was one of seven organisations shortlisted in the Improving Lives category and clinched the award after dealing with 16,000 issues in its first year, ranging from full-scale clean-ups to classroom talks.

The team works with residents and businesses to improve neighbourhoods, to instill pride and to help people understand their own responsibilities to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and to report litter, graffiti and vandalism.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for environment and culture, said: "I am delighted that the task force has been recognised on a regional level for the huge difference it has made to the communities it works with. I hope the team's hard work will continue to have a positive effect on the district."

The task force was set up in September 2006 to tackle grot spots, litter, graffiti and vandalism and make long-lasting improvements to 13 of the most deprived areas in the district. It tackled approximately 16,000 environmental issues in its first year.