The Housing Executive held its 11th Rural Community Awards ceremony at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy, County Londonderry. The event recognised rural groups for efforts to improve neighbourhoods.

Cloughmills Community Action Team won the Cleaner and Greener category, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Housing Council. Their Potty Potters - Growing Together programme created an accessible garden with raised beds for wheelchair users, people with mobility or mental health issues, community service referrals, volunteers and school children.

Donaghmore Horticultural Community, which started in October 2010 to improve the village with floral displays, placed as runner-up in the Community Spirit category.

Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural and Regeneration Manager, opened the proceedings. She described the awards as a key event to highlight work in rural communities and enable groups to share experiences.

Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive, thanked attendees for their leadership and commitment. She noted the awards began in 2012 from a young people's photography competition and align with the Housing Executive's focus on rural challenges. The organisation is finalising its Rural Strategy for 2026-31 after consultations with stakeholders.

The event included presentations from the Rural Residents Forum, Seamus Heaney Homeplace and Rural Community Network. The network gave a recognition award to Mary Watson, Chair of Carnlough Community Association. Glenlough Community Choir, with members from Glenarm and Carnlough, provided entertainment.