Leek has renewed its status as a bee friendly town for the third year in a row.

The status was first granted when Cllr Bill Cawley, who is now Leek's mayor, approached the London based Bee Friendly Trust in 2019 to see what Leek could do to help the survival of pollinators vital to the future of the planet and humanity.

In 2020, along with only three other towns in England, Leek were granted Bee Friendly Town status.

Leek Nub News reported back in 2021 how this was renewed for another year, and now for 2022 it has been achieved for a third year running.

Cllr Cawley said: "The impetus [to make Leek bee friendly] was a TV documentary on what could be done in communities to support bees.

"Leek's winning bid in a national competition will keep the fate of the bee at the front of people's minds, as well as raising the profile of the town.

"This aims to create more wildlife spaces and increase educational awareness and encourage more bee-themed events."

The award includes a commissioned art work in a public place and Leek's participation in a community festival celebrating the bee.