Royal reward for teacher who transformed Sheffield suburb into Britain's most flourishing urban oasis

A teacher who transformed her corner of Sheffield into one of Britain's most verdant neighbourhoods has been royally rewarded.
Amanda Jones chaired the Beighton Environmental Group for a decadeAmanda Jones chaired the Beighton Environmental Group for a decade
Amanda Jones chaired the Beighton Environmental Group for a decade

Amanda Jones formed Beighton Environment Group with a handful of other green-fingered volunteers in 2004 and they soon set about tidying and brightening up the suburb.

Having initially campaigned successfully to get more bins for litter and dog muck, the team worked with people across the community to spruce up local parks, introduce colourful planters and hanging baskets, and organise events ranging from litter picks to pond-dipping sessions.

Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010
Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010
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Special guests from South Yorkshire invited to join Prince Harry and Meghan Mark...
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The group, which was set up using European funding, also saved an ancient orchard from development and revived the site, where locals are invited each October to pick apples and take them home.

And it helped launch the village's popular Christmas lantern parade, plant more 150,000 daffodils in just five years and tend a vibrant wildflower meadow and the wildlife haven at Beighton Marsh.

Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010
Amanda Jones with the best in category award Beighton secured at the Britain in Bloom awards in 2010

She is one of 1,200 deserving members of the public invited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to attend their royal wedding celebrations in the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 19, each with a companion of their choice.

The 49-year-old, who teaches at Redlands Primary School in Worksop, said she still has to pinch herself to believe she is one of the chosen few.

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"I admire that the young royals are striving to relate to the common people and make the monarchy in touch with our evolving society. I will be smiling with them on their big day.

"We're proud of our work with the environment group, and the contributions by everyone in the community.

"You only have to look around the village to see the difference it's made, and we hope the fruits of our work will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come."