A London based environmental charity has won an award in recognition of the outstanding contribution it has made to the health and improvement of the River Thames over the last year.

Thames21 beat a number of entries to win the prestigious River Thames Shield awarded by the River Thames Society and Thames Water nominated the charity.  

Thames21 Chief Executive Debbie Leach said, ³We are absolutely delighted to accept this award.  Thames21 works closely with communities to bring the River Thames to life and this award is fantastic encouragement to Thames21 and all our partners, especially the thousands of volunteers who have devoted their time to support our muddy work on the River Thames.²

Head of Public Affairs at Thames Water Kathryn Oakley said, ³Thames Water nominated Thames21 because we think the charity¹s community focussed work to improve the health of the River Thames is innovative, unique and immensely practical.  We are very pleased that their efforts to clean and green the Thames has been rewarded by winning this award.²

Executive Director of the River Thames Society, Andrew Brown said, ³The judges were not only impressed by Thames21¹s commitment to clearing tonnes of harmful litter from the Thames every year, but also their approach of involving all sections of the community in its work to improve and maintain the River Thames.²

Thames21 will receive the award at the River Thames Society¹s AGM on Saturday 1st April. The first award was made in 1994, and recommendations for the award are invited from any individual, company or organisation. This is the first time that Thames21 has won the award.

Thames21 began working with communities and businesses to clean and green the River Thames in 1996, and now works on a range of projects across London¹s 400-mile network of rivers and canals.