A canoe club has been recognised for going the extra mile to improve its local town.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has awarded local canoeists for going out of their way to clean up the River Medway and its banks - which has had a noticeable impact on its appearance.

The Council has been so impressed by the work of Tonbridge Canoe Club that it created a new, special award in line with its Environmental Champions Scheme.

It aims to encourage more local people to make an extra effort in their community.

The Gold Environmental Champions Award was presented to Clive Neale, chair of Tonbridge Canoe Club by deputy mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Owen Baldock.

“I have been impressed to hear about the work the Canoe Club has carried out and I extend my thanks and congratulations to all involved" - Deputy mayor, Owen Baldock

Cabinet Member for environmental services, Cllr Brian Luker, says: “Tonbridge Canoe Club has proved to be an invaluable asset to the town and this award was created by way of thanks for their fantastic work.

"The results of which have played a huge part in the flood recovery programme for Tonbridge and the river and its banks certainly look so much better.”

Since the launch of the scheme in 2009, this is the only ‘special’ award that has been created.

It is open to all Tonbridge and Malling residents and anyone can nominate a person or a group to become an Environmental Champion.

Deputy mayor, Cllr Owen Baldock, said: “I have been impressed to hear about the work the Canoe Club has carried out and I extend my thanks and congratulations to all involved.”

The award presentation coincides with the end of a month-long anti-litter campaign. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is one of 13 councils in Kent to have supported the campaign throughout June to promote the message: ‘Love Kent: Don’t be rubbish – take your litter home.’