A KIRKCONNELL community group is in the running for a Keep Scotland Beautiful award for the seventh time.

Brighten Up Kirkconnell has been recognised six times in the past by the national charity; last year winning a Silver Gilt Medal and the Jim Murdie Trophy for Sustainability.

The group strives to improve the visual appearance of the community by using floral displays. It also works with youth groups on biodiversity projects and encourages the whole community to keep the village clean and tidy by holding regular litter picking events.

Keep Scotland Beautiful judges John McClennan and Gregor McGillivray visited the group on Monday, August 5.

Award winners of the national competition will be announced at a ceremony on September 12 in Dumfries.

Gary Hughes, chairman of Brighten Up Kirkconnell, said: “Over the last year we have been working with the Brownie group on various environment projects which were the creation of a wildlife garden with a bugs hotel in it, learning them about the re-cycling process and making compost from last year’s bedding plants

“We’ve been working with the P3 class at Kelloholm Primary, joining them in litter picks and creating a sensory garden for the members of the adult learning centre.

“We are trying to involve as many groups within the community as possible.”