A group of environmentalists have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Dumfries and Galloway Eco Warriors have been honoured for playing a bit part in the charity’s Clean Up Scotland Spring Clean.
The group was founded by Laura Howieson, Fiona Rogerson and Lottie Glover at the start of last year and now has more than 1,000 supporters.
They have two beach cleans a month, often in the Stewartry, and also do talks with youngsters to teach them about plastic pollution and sustainability.
Co-founder Fiona said: “The main point to the group was to clean up our coastlines but it is so much more than this. We bring communities together, promote positive mental health, exercising, and socialising whilst learning. It brings us the feel good factor. We all want to make a difference - however large or small this maybe - and empower others to do the same and join us.
“We’d also like to thank Dumfries and Galloway Council and all our supporters who have donated kit and supported with promotion and events.”
The Eco Warriors have been recognised as Litter Pick Heroes by the charity for their work during the ScotMid Co-operative supported spring clean in April and May.
They won the Working Across the Ages Award and will receive a £200 gift voucher which can be used at Helping Hand Environmental for litter picking equipment.
Keep Scotland Beautiful chief executive, Derek Robertson, said: “These awards are a recognition of the very best of voluntary effort to transform local communities and open spaces across the country. Every year, we are inspired by the work undertaken by those who take part and local communities across the country are cleaner as a result.
