TWO ENVIRONMENTAL superstars who have collected 800 bags of rubbish and given up hundreds of hours have been honoured.

Joyce Lovack, secretary of Shotton Colliery Residents’ Group, has been involved in collecting more than 580 bags in just six months.

She has also reported numerous flytipping incidents to Durham County Council – resulting in more than two tonnes of dumped rubbish being removed.

Robert Sorley, a volunteer ranger on the Coast 2 Coast cycle route, is also dedicated to keeping his local environment litter free.

As well as reporting litter on the route in the Consett area, he has also helped clear up rubbish himself.

Over the last few months he has given up more than 100 hours of his own time to remove in excess of 220 sacks of litter.

In recognition of their efforts, both Joyce and Robert have been handed Caring for your environment awards for their work to make County Durham altogether greener.

The pair were both presented with the awards by Oliver Sherratt, chair of the Coastal, Heritage and Landscape Group of the County Durham Environment Partnership.

He said: “Joyce and Robert’s efforts are a fine example of how volunteers are helping us tackle problems such as littering and flytipping to make our county altogether greener.

“It is really important that we recognise work to keep the environment tidy and litter free and these awards are thoroughly deserved.”