A COMMUNITY enterprise has earned a national accolade for its success in generating renewable energy.

Furness-based Baywind Energy Co-op was one of five winners of this year's Enterprising Solutions Awards, established to recognise and celebrate the best social and community enterprises, especially long-term sustainable businesses.

Baywind was singled out for its innovative approach to community-owned renewable energy, bringing long-term income for rural communities.

Chairman Andrew King said he was delighted the co-op had been recognised for its approach to engaging rural communities and enabling them to benefit directly from local renewable energy resources through its subsidiary, called Energy4All.

"We are delighted that our unique venture is recognised at a national level.

"We all have a strong vested interest in where our energy comes from and how it is generated, but at present the sector is totally dominated by big companies.

"Through Energy4All, we are bringing real community involvement in the process so that everyone can make a contribution and share the environmental, economic and social benefits of green power."

Geraldine Peacock, chairman of the Charity Commission and one of the award judges, said: "Baywind shows us that the future is not determined, and can be influenced by what we do now in our communities and, in common cause, internationally."

Formed in 1996, Baywind Energy is Britain's first co-operatively-owned wind power venture with 1,300 shareholders who own a total of six wind turbines.

Baywind runs the five-turbine wind farm at Harlock Hill, near Ulverston, generating enough electricity to meet the average needs of 1,300 households, plus a further turbine at the Haverigg site.

Shareholders hold a minimum stake of £300 and up to £20,000, with nearly half of investors coming from Cumbria and north Lancashire.

Baywind is aiming to increase the number of community-owned turbines through partnerships in Oxford, Lincolnshire, Wales and Scotland.

It will use the £5,000 award prize money to help other communities seeking to follow in Baywind's footsteps.