SILSDEN Methodist Church has struck gold for its 'green' credentials.

It has become only the 55th church across England and Wales to earn the Gold Eco Church Award.

To qualify, the church had to meet a set of stringent standards covering several areas.

Included is worship and teaching, management of the buildings – such as minimising the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability – and measures to encourage biodiversity and wildlife in the church grounds.

Also, as individuals, people are encouraged to consider their own lives and any changes they could make to help the planet, and the church should seek to act as a positive force in the community.

The Rev Clare Stainsby, minister at Silsden Methodist Church, says: "We are delighted to achieve the Gold Eco Church Award.

"It represents a great deal of hard work by our eco team, but also reflects the church family’s willingness to engage in these matters in many positive ways.

"We have all played our part in reaching this milestone and will all play a part in maintaining the gold standard in our efforts for everything eco."

As part of its community engagement, the church hosts a hugely-successful monthly repair cafe, in partnership with Silsden Climate Action Group.

The cafe, which earlier this year won a BBC Radio Leeds Make a Difference Award in the 'green' category, was launched in June last year.

As part of the initiative, people can take along broken items – from toasters, lamps and hair dryers to toys, bikes and jewellery – for the attention of volunteer repair experts.

Also, knives and tools can be sharpened.

And there are second-hand books for sale, visitors can refill household and personal cleaning products, information is available about reducing home energy costs, and unwanted items including bikes and phones can be donated for forwarding on to charities which will refurbish and redistribute them.

Louise Farnell, lead for the repair cafe, says: "In the first year, 624 items were brought in – and 551 were fully or partially repaired, or advice offered – thus saving numerous things from going to landfill, as well as giving treasured goods a new lease of life.

"Repairs are carried out to a whole variety of items, from beloved soft toys to electrical appliances, and lots of gardening tools are sharpened.

"There is also a 'swapping not shopping' shop."

For more about the repair cafe, visit facebook.com/p/Silsden-Repair-Cafe-100092174810928