A DEDICATED group of volunteers in Cumnock have been recognised for their work in transforming their local area.

Netherthird Community Development Group won a certificate of distinction at the It’s Your Neighbourhood award ceremony.

It was held in conjunction with environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, with around 200 people in attendance.

There were various levels of achievement awarded and the Netherthird group were given a maximum five and graded outstanding.

Among the activities they were praised for were cleaning up green spaces and forming planting partnerships, to actively engaging the whole community and encouraging further participation.

Dr Lindsay Montgomery, chairman of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the 2018 It’s Your Neighbourhood groups, including the team at Netherthird in Cumnock.

“Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment has helped to deliver significant local environmental improvements.

“Local environmental quality standards across Scotland continue to decline at an alarming rate. Action from volunteers, such as those involved in Cumnock, goes a long way in helping to address this.

“Every community group recognised at these awards has played a vital role in helping to create more vibrant communities.

“They have made a significant difference to neighbourhoods the length and breadth of the country, and for that I would like to offer my congratulations.”