THIRSK Rotary Club has fought off strong competition to win a prestigious environmental award.

Much concern has been raised recently about the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfill and it was one of the issues which Thirsk Rotary Club members tried to address when they refurbished the Millgate picnic area.

All the new picnic benches and tables are made out of recycled plastic bottles and the scheme has contributed to the club winning the Rotary District Environmental Award.

Other good work from the club included the provision of gates which are more accessible to disabled people and the improvement of flood prevention measures as the area encompasses Cod Beck.

The award was presented to the club at their latest district meeting in York.