A Stroud-based initiative working across the district to take action on single-use plastic has been awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

Stroud District Action on Plastic (SDAP) is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

SDAP is a group of volunteers working with individuals, businesses, schools, local councils and community organisations to reduce reliance on single-use plastic.

SDAP has put together a comprehensive website brimming with local information and resources, which members hope will be replicated by other interested groups across the UK.

Representatives of SDAP will receive the award crystal and certificate from Edward Gillespie, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, later this summer.

Claudi Williams, one of the founders of SDAP, said: "We are delighted that our volunteers' work and engagement in the community is being recognised with this prestigious award. Plastic overuse and pollution is a scourge on the environment we live in and is a matter that concerns all of us. Tackling the problem by yourself can feel overwhelming.

"By working towards a plastic-free community, we have shown that everyone plays a vital part, whether they are a family, a business or a school, and that together we can make a real impact.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone in the local community who supported this initiative and volunteered their time and effort. With the UN warning that plastic pollution in oceans and other bodies of water may double by 2030, there is still so much to be done!"