TWO community groups have been shortlisted for an award after taking action against climate change.

Transition Town Wellington and the Somerset WI will be heading to Westminster today (March 11), to go to The Climate Coalition's Green Heart Hero Awards.

Transition Town Wellington was nominated for its work reducing the town's carbon footprint. The group has created community orchards, organised apple juicing days and hosts cookery demonstrations using home-grown local produce.

The Somerset Federation of the WI and Somerset Wildlife Trust was also shortlisted for a joint project raising awareness of how the county is 'uniquely susceptible' to climate issues, such as rising sea levels.

4,000 members of the WI worked to make 185.5 metres - roughly the length of two football pitches - of green heart bunting, which was displayed across two of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s reserves. Most members made at least one flag, each one depicting a green heart or something connected with climate change.

The awards - which range from accolades for green schools, businesses and MPs to recognition of sustainable sports projects and overseas schemes - will be hosted by television and radio presenter Clive Anderson and will feature Sky News journalist Kay Burley alongside a number of other presenters.

Rebecca Pow MP, who nominated Transition Town Wellington, said: “I was very pleased to nominate Transition Town Wellington for a Green Heart Hero Award. I am full of praise of Holly and her team, particularly for the foraging map they produced that shows all of the sites in Wellington where produce can be harvested free of charge.

“Like many of my constituents, I love to get out and about picking nature’s free fruits and this map is incredibly helpful. I wish the best of luck to Holly and her team and I look forward to seeing them at the awards ceremony.”

Clara Goldsmith from The Climate Coalition said: "It’s fantastic to see groups such as The Somerset Federation of the WI and Somerset Wildlife Trust working together to protect the things we love from climate change.

“The people who have been nominated are just normal people who decided that they wanted to make a difference and help change the world – and they have achieved extraordinary things.

“We are really glad to have the chance to celebrate in Parliament the great work from people right across the country.”