PARISHIONERS of a Winchester parish were awarded for going back to basics and living the good life.

Residents from Hampshire Downs Catholic parish took part in a campaign which led them to living more simply and sustainably to understand how world’s impoverished people strive every day.

Presenting the livesimply Award was Mayor Ernie Jeffs following the parishioners’ work over a two-year period. The national prize recognizes the ways a parish makes a difference in its community.

Mike Slinn, member of the parish Justice and Peace group and coordinator of the livesimply project, said: "We in the parish all feel proud that we have received this award for living simply, sustainable and in solidarity with the poor. The award is an encouragement to us to achieve more in the future.

“In addition to building the new pastoral centre, the parish encouraged parishioners to join in activities such as living simply on Fridays, recycling household items, setting up a car share scheme to get to church, and supporting the parish’s Covenant with the Poor providing funds for charitable projects in the UK and overseas.”

Lynda Mussell, CAFOD Diocesan Manager for the Winchester area, said: “Receiving the national livesimply Award is such a great achievement and this is really well deserved. Parishioners have taken such an impressive range of actions to live more simply and sustainably. “It is fantastic to see this recognised in this way and we hope more parishes will follow their example.”