Litter pickers teamed up with youngsters to clean up the waterside in Dumbarton - with finds including golf clubs and fire extinguishers.

Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore, who recently celebrated their fifth birthday, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and Friends of Leven River Valley, joined forces to clean up last Saturday.

The team picked up around Dumbarton Football Club, the Rock, Gruggies Burn and Sandpoint Marina.

Locals aged from five to 81 years, with the youngest participant on the day, Rowan Mair, having been inspired to attend after enjoying a litter pick at school. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Rowan Mair aged five learned to litter pick at school Rowan Mair aged five learned to litter pick at school (Image: Friends of Leven Valley)

Dale Logsdon, PSYV co-ordinator, said: "It is always great to get out and support our local communities and this event was particularly special given it was celebrating the 5th birthday of the Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore.

"Littering is not only a blight on our local communities, but on the world’s environment as a whole and I was taken aback by how many people showed compassion and willingness, especially on a Sunday morning.

"PSYV is a way for our younger generation to learn the importance of volunteering, partnership working and looking after our local communities and our teams love to get involved, support and meet new like-minded groups."

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

Fun finds on the pick included golf clubs, a fire extinguisher, a cuddly toy rabbit and an unusual number plate.

Cula Murphy, of Friends of Leven River, Valley said: “The PSYV team did brilliant work around the east side of the football club grounds. They were like professionals, wielding the gruesome long litter picker into the prickly hedgerows. Will be great to have them back again."

The pickers also enjoyed a briefing by Dr Alejandra Vovides from Glasgow University, who came to talk about the upcoming GALLANT science project which will run throughout the summer along the Inner Clyde shore.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Gary Barrass and Dr Alejandra Vovides both had fun litter findsGary Barrass and Dr Alejandra Vovides both had fun litter finds (Image: Friends of Leven Valley)

The scientists will study sedimentary deposits and erosion, the effects of noise pollution on wildlife, and more. Data will be used to better understand and protect the shores and wildlife going forward.

Zoe Weir of Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore said: “The PSYV volunteers are a credit to the town - cheerful, mature and great team players. After five eventful years of restoring the shore to its beautiful, natural best, the volunteers are keen to know it’ll be kept that way after our time is up. If these youngsters are anything to go by, the shores will be in good hands in years to come”.