FOUR Isle of Wight organisations have won good lighting awards for their efforts to reduce light pollution and protect the Island's dark skies.

The awards are presented annually by the Isle of Wight branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

The winners were Ryde Co-op, which has installed sky-friendly luminaires on its external walls, and Ryde Mead Tennis Club, which has a shielded lighting system on its court.

An award was given to Island Roads, which has installed new street lighting across the Island and reduced light pollution as a result.

John Langley, of the Isle of Wight CPRE, said: "Thanks to their work we are now in a position to make a bid to have the southern part of the Island designated as an international dark skies park.

"We are hopeful our bid will be successful, putting the Isle of Wight well and truly on the map as a top destination for stargazing."

The final award went to overall winner, Vestas Offshore Wind Blades.

Mr Langley said Vestas' huge factory had the potential to create devastating skyglow over much of central Wight, which had been minimised by the company's adoption of less harsh lighting.

Vestas was presented with a cheque to its chosen charity, Gift to Nature, and the Isle of Wight CPRE's merlin trophy.

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