A campaigner on a crusade to rid Moray’s coastline and rivers of litter has been commended for his work by a leading national environmental charity.
Pete Miners, from Elgin, has collected thousands of discarded bottles from the region’s waterways over the past two years, along with various large-scale fly-tipped items.
He recently set up the Coast of Moray Beachcleaners group, encouraging others to join him in clearing the area’s shoreline of rubbish.
The Keep Scotland Beautiful charity’s Clean Up Scotland branch has now named Mr Miners its “hero of the month” for April, in recognition of his mammoth efforts.
Mr Miners, who is a full-time carer for his mum, spends his free time out walking his dog around spots where he knows litter tends to accumulate.
He said: “I am really pleased to receive this award.
“Dog walkers like myself are well placed to remove rubbish from places the authorities can’t be expected to reach.
“Remote littering in Moray invariably occurs at beautiful locations, with some magnificent wildlife, so by picking up litter people can enjoy the surroundings and maintain them for others.”
Keep Scotland Beautiful’s community projects officer, Nicola Turner, recently presented Mr Miners with his award at Lossiemouth.
She said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Miners for his continued commitment to keeping Moray’s beaches and waterways clear of litter.
“His efforts have helped to motivate many more people to litter pick when they are out and about.”
As well as a plaque recognising his contributions to keeping Moray looking its best, the charity presented Mr Miners with a new litter picker as a reward for his hard work.