TELEVISION personality Griff Rhys Jones is backing an awards scheme to celebrate outstanding contributions to Suffolk's environment.

David Green

TELEVISION personality Griff Rhys Jones is backing an awards scheme to celebrate outstanding contributions to Suffolk's environment.

Mr Rhys Jones, who lives in Suffolk and is well known for his television, stage and film work, is a lover of heritage, conservation and renovation, a passion which led to him recently presenting the popular BBC2 show Restoration.

Now he has pledged his support for the Suffolk Preservation Society's Awards for a Better Environment, being promoted by the East Anglian Daily Times.

It is aimed at recognising the best latter-day contributions to the county's environment, landscape and heritage.

Mr Rhys Jones, who rose to fame for his work on Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones, said: “It is local support and action that really counts in heritage and conservation.

“Really, all the beautiful buildings and landscapes we love have to be looked out for all the time.

“Eternal vigilance can be very tiring, proper maintenance is gruelling and appropriate conservation is expensive. How good it is to see it recognised and supported.”

Mr Rhys Jones said as a Suffolk resident he was keen to see the local landscape protected.

“Supporting these awards is a great opportunity for the rest of us to show how much we care.

“We need to express our gratitude for the sake of Suffolk. It is time to say well done and for some dedicated people or organisations to take a bow.”

Away from his television, stage and film work, Mr Rhys Jones has restored two houses in Suffolk, a farmhouse in Wales and house in London as well as playing a pivotal role in a campaign to restore the famous Hackney Empire in London's East End.

The SPS awards scheme comprises three categories: for exemplary work to protect or enhance the historic built heritage, for modern buildings or extensions of distinction and excellence and for exemplary work to manage, protect or enhance the countryside or coastline.

SPS director Richard Ward said: “We are delighted Griff Rhys Jones has backed the awards, not just because he is a celebrity but because he is a resident with a huge understanding of the issues we are trying to highlight.

“We want to celebrate the positive contributions to show what can be achieved when schemes are developed with a little bit of care, sensitivity and imagination.”