A COMMUNITY champion has been awarded for his dedication in keeping the streets of Darlington clean.

David Currie, who for years has devoted his spare time picking up litter and other rubbish off the town’s streets, has been recognised as a local unsung hero.

Mr Currie from Harrowgate Hill was presented a framed certificate signed by the Town Mayor, Councillor Tom Nutt last month.

The award was given by the Chair of Whinfield Residents Association, David Milner, during a ceremony at the WRA Annual General Meeting where Mr Currie received a standing ovation.

Mr Currie said: “I was very proud and humbled to receive this kind accolade, and I just hope that people will see the litter problem.”

In October, Darlington Borough Council launched its ‘Our Streets’ campaign to combat litter on the town’s streets.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure and the local environment stated on the Darlington Borough Council website: “We face a constant battle to keep our streets clean, and it is a battle that we cannot win without the public’s help.

“We want people to take pride in where they live, to think twice before they throw litter on the ground and to take action if they see litter.”