Staff at a restaurant in Harpenden have been presented with an award that recognises environmentally friendly practice.

That Little Place in Station Road has received the silver prize in the Small Restaurant category of the Green Apple Award.

Alex Goodhand and John Gunner, who have run the restaurant for two and a half years, spend a lot of time ensuring they do what they can to protect the environment.

The restaurant runs a Cycle to Work scheme as well as growing some of its own ingredients.

Mr Gunner said: “We were really thrilled.

“We were up against big businesses and hotel chains.

“There are all sorts of businesses up and down the country who are taking this more and more seriously.”

The team picked up their award during a ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday, November 12.

Mr Gunner said: “There were people there from all over the world.

“We had a great day. It was in such a great place.”

The Green Apple Awards, which were set up in 1994, are run by The Green Organisation, an independent environment group.

The restaurant hopes to achieve the gold award next year.

Mr Gunner added: “We have already started planning further improvements for next year to add to this achievement but for now we are just enjoying displaying the Green Apple and the certificate which our staff and partner local producers have helped us earn.”