A LITTER picker from Fife has been nominated for an award by one of the Kingdom’s MPs.

The efforts of David Spence have been highlighted by Cowdenbeath MP, Neale Hanvey, with a nomination to the Living Streets Scottish Walking Awards.

During lockdown, David founded Fife Street Champions, a volunteer group aimed at local folk interested in cleaning up litter from the Kindgom’s streets and beaches.

The group began when David began picking up litter while out on his daily lockdown walk, and now sees over twenty dedicated volunteers meet each Tuesday evening.

In August, Mr Hanvey joined David and Fife Street Champions to pick up litter from Kirkcaldy’s Seafield Beach.

There have been reports of increased fly tipping and antisocial behaviour across Fife since coronavirus restrictions were put in place, resulting in significant littering across the local area.

Fife Street Champions highlight that areas with established litter picks have seen a decrease in littering, as residents gain a renewed sense of pride in their local environment.

When the opportunity to nominate to the Living Streets Scottish Walking Awards came along, the local MP was keen to highlight the herculean efforts of David Spence.

The Facebook group, Fife Street Champions, has gone on to attract over 1,700 members. In 2020, the group collected over 10,000 bags of litter from the Fife area.

Mr Hanvey said: “The work of David Spence and Fife Street Champions celebrates the best qualities of the Fife community.

“David began picking up litter whilst out on his daily walk during lockdown and is now joined by like-minded individuals every Tuesday evening with the online support of over 1,700 other Fifers.

“David saw a need to contribute to the Fife community both environmentally and in helping other folk by providing a positive and open way to combat loneliness and support positive mental health.

“I am delighted to recognise the efforts of David with a nomination to the first-ever Living Streets Scottish Walking Awards.”

The first-time Scottish Walking Awards is organised by Scotland’s leading walking charities including Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland to showcase the people, organisations and communities supporting others to enjoy an active lifestyle and features ten categories celebrating a wide range of contributions to getting people moving more in Scotland – as well as an overall Champion of Champions.