AN ALLOA firefighter who has spearheaded a campaign for safer roads in Forth Valley has been recognised with a national honour.

Alan Faulds has received his British Citizen Award for his services to the community.

The 51-year-old became involved in the Safe Drive Stay Alive awareness programme a decade ago and later one of its principal organisers.

Along with a dedicated band of fellow volunteers, the Central Safe Drive group raises the £26,000 needed each year to run a week of roadshows designed to teach teenagers about the risks of dangerous or inattentive driving.

Every year, thousands of school pupils in Clacks, Stirling and Falkirk take in the show and since the programme was launched there has been a drastic reduction in the number of young people killed or injured on the roads in central Scotland.

Alan was presented with his award by Pat Egan, Places For People's group executive director of Affordable Housing, during a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on July 6.

Mr Egan said: "It's hard to describe in words the difference that Alan has made.

"His dedication to this project, especially when other agencies dropped out, has literally saved lives.

"What more of a difference can anyone make to the community that they live in? He is truly inspirational."

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.

BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise everyday people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Speaking about his nomination, Alan said: "When the original partnership dissolved, I knew it was something that I wanted to take on because it was so important and the statistics bear that out. Since we started, serious injuries have dropped by almost 50 per cent.

"Raising the money to keep the scheme going is hard work and it's getting harder with all of the cuts but it's making such an impact on our young people that we have to keep doing it.

"I'm not normally short of words but when I found out about the award, I was speechless. I was incredibly humbled by the fact that someone had taken the time and effort to nominate me, it was awe-inspiring."