From schoolchildren taking their first steps in environmental action, to those who have embraced the green message and taken it to the community - the Green Champion Awards acknowledged individual achievement across the borough.

Hosted by TV chef Oliver Rowe, who’s grandfather, George Rowe, was mayor of Wandsworth in 1963, the awards were organised by Wandsworth Council, in conjunction with the Wandsworth Guardian.

At the plush setting of the new Pestana Chelsea bridge hotel, Wandsworth Council’s executive member for environment and leisure, Councillor Sarah McDermott, said the evening showed the green talent working and living in Wandsworth.

After the winners in nine categories were announced, Councillor McDermott explained they all acted as “inspirations”.

“Well done to everyone who took part, and especially to our award winners. We wish them luck in the Green Guardian Awards in a few weeks,” she said. “It is our green champions who uphold the green values that make our borough a great place to live.“ Lucy Neal won the overall Green Champion award for helping turn Transition Town Tooting into a driving force for change.

Last year the group won a commission for its Trashcatchers Carnival, which is due to be held later this year.

The carnival was considered at the Culture Futures debate at the recent Copenhagen Conference, which explored how the arts can influence a change in perspective on climate change.

Lucy said: ”Winning the award is fantastic. Two years ago I thought it was enough to take action to change myself, but that wasn’t enough . . .. I think what we have to do is trust that our actions do make a difference. Don’t hold back, act differently and be aware that we are living in completely historic moment in time.”

The winners in each category will now go through to the South London Green Guardian Awards which will take place on February 26.

Each will be invited with a guest to a superb gala awards evening which will be held in the five star Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbour on February 26, along with the winners from eight other boroughs.

It is the first time that Green Guardian winners from nine boroughs, from Greenwich in the east to Hounslow in the west, have come together in a single event to celebrate the eco achievements of south London.

They will be joined by enviromentalists, council, community and business leaders for the award ceremony and a delicious three course meal.

Guest speaker for the night will be ethical consumer champion Lucy Siegle who writes for the Guardian/Observer and is a reporter for the One Show.