A children's magazine that was the brainchild of a mum-of-four has won an award for its environmentally aware outlook.

Alternative Kidz is a magazine designed for children with alternative reading tastes.

Lucy Farndon, of Woodplace Lane, Coulsdon, launched Alternative Kidz three-and-a-half years ago after noticing there was a niche in the market for a magazine for children that discussed environmental issues as well as travel and sport stories.

She said: "Most of the titles available are just about training them to be good consumers.

"I wanted to produce a much more relevant magazine that gives children a voice and offers a wider understanding of the world."

Lucy received a Green Apple environment award at a ceremony at the House of Commons last month.

The annual awards recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice and Lucy was presented with her trophy by Cherie Blair's lifestyle guru, Carole Caplin.

Lucy said: "Carole giving me the award all happened rather quickly, but I was still able to have a chat with her."

Lucy admits she finds it hard juggling being a mum, working one day a week at Independent News Collective and writing the vast majority of articles in the magazine.

But she said: "It is hard work, but we have dedicated readers who really enjoy it, as do their parents."

Lucy now hopes that the magazine, which has 400 subscribers and a further 400 copies distributed to shops, can increase its readership.

Her hopes have been boosted after Waitrose agreed to stock the magazine in a selection of branches for a trial period.