The BusinessWatch Group, in Orton Southgate, has provided a cash donation to the Sand Martin Wood project, which is planting a six-hectare woodland in Cumbria.

It comes after an audit of the group was carried out by sustainability management firm Future Perfect's Mark Miller, who detailed the financial cost of the firm's carbon footprint.

Mr Miller said: "The BusinessWatch Group has set a benchmark for other small companies to aim for.

"It is also unusual in the security sector. So few companies have yet accepted that everyone needs to take responsibility for their carbon footprint."

Group finance director for BusinessWatch Richard Olsen, said: "It is important to us as a group to ensure we demonstrate best practice in every area so our customers and suppliers can rest assured they are receiving a first class service."

The BusinessWatch Group, which was winner of The ET's Small Business of the Year award last year, specialises in domestic and commercial intruder and fire alarm systems, guarding and telecommunications.