A group of volunteers who help keep a town tidy are being recognised at an awards celebration next month.

Keep Blackburn Tidy are in line to win the Council Leader Award, which was created by community group, One Voice Blackburn, to recognise those who have promoted community cohesion through leadership.

Starting as a humble Facebook page back in May, as a way to keep the town cleaner and greener by linking like-minded volunteers together, Keep Blackburn Tidy has managed to amass a whopping 1,300 members.

And the group now collect on average, 245 bags of rubbish each week.

Councillor Jackie Floyd, who is herself keen litter picker, said she was delighted the group had been recognised for their hard work, as not only do the members unite for a common goal but they support, encourage and engage with each other too.

She said: "It’s been amazing how quickly the group has grown and how many members we have making a difference.

"This award is recognition for all our amazing volunteers who have contributed to the growing momentum of Keep Blackburn Tidy."

The awards ceremony will take place at King George's Hall on Friday February 22.