A COMMUNITY manager was presented with a prestigious award at a Wee County primary school last week for her dedicated work in keeping the area clean.

Laura Doherty, who works for McDonald's in the central SCcotland region, has been presented with the Clean Up Scotland Hero of the Month award in recognition of her commitment to helping keep the local area clean.

The award is part of the national Clean Up Scotland Campaign organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Being given the honour acknowledges how helpful Laura has been in her role, working with community groups and motivating staff and residents to get involved in helping to arrange and take part in local clean-up activities.

In her role as community manager, Laura is responsible for working with local communities and councils, delivering support on many litter initiatives, community projects and charity events.

Following on from last year's successful event along the Union Canal Laura, is organising events as part of this year's national spring clean along the canals from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Having been in the post for 18 years, Laura has helped to build partnerships between the store and local groups, which have in turn helped to deliver a range of local environmental improvements.

Laura's hard work has also been recognised by her manager Elliot Jardine, who nominated her.

Elliot said: "I am delighted for Laura and everything she has achieved in her role as community manager.

"The variety of community projects she leads on and actively participates with continues to inspire those she works alongside.

"Her commitment and energy in forging strong community relationships is helping to create a better environment for everyone around us.

"We are extremely proud of Laura's strong and collaborative relationship with Keep Scotland Beautiful and of course the positive impact created within our communities."

Laura was presented with her award by Luke Graham MP, at Fishcross Primary School where a litter pick was taking place.

Mr Graham said: "It's great to be able to come out with the pupils from Fishcross Primary School to help clean up a well-used area.

"I have worked with Laura on a previous clean up at Gartmorn Dam. The investment she gives to her area is amazing.

"It is a pleasure to be able to present her with the certificate to acknowledge her dedication to helping clean up Clackmannanshire and the whole of the Forth Valley.

"The pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community all benefit from the work that's put in on days like this."

The Clean Up Scotland campaign encourages everyone to get involved by visiting keepscotlandbeautiful.org/cleanupscotland to find out how you can help with the campaign's ambition to make Scotland the cleanest country in Europe.