A PAIR of eco-friendly community campaigners helping make Gourock a greener place to live are to be crowned 'unsung heroes'.

Inverclyde Shed's Bruce Newlands and environmental activist Stephen Henry will be honoured at this year's Gourock Garden Party, which takes place next weekend.

The Gourock volunteers have been the driving force behind two of the area's most prolific grassroots groups in recent times.

Former town councillor Jim Hunter, who organises the awards, said: "Both Stephen and Bruce do wonderful work in the community, both in Gourock and in wider Inverclyde.

"It is an honour to award them this year's prizes."

It will be a double celebration for Bruce, as the Inverclyde Shed has also won the garden party Elspeth Riddell Trophy for community involvement.

Architect Bruce gives up his own free time to lead the Shed, a movement which offers a space to people to come together to share skills and reduce waste.

They run a community garden in Shore Street and a workshop in Greenock's Captain Street, with the aim of reducing, repairing and re-using.

Over 100 people are involved in the initiative and they go out into the community, visiting scores of schools and nurseries helping with gardening projects.

Bruce, 44, who lives in Gourock with wife Erika and daughter Ruby Rose, said: "I love being involved in the Inverclyde Shed.

"I have always loved outdoor space and making things grow, so the Shore Street garden is a place I love to come.

"It is a huge privilege to receive this award and I am honoured.

"I really hope it encourages other people to volunteer, as it is so worthwhile.

"Together the Inverclyde Shed volunteers have achieved so much in the last three years and it brings people together."

Fellow unsung hero Stephen has been the driving force behind the Literati Guide to Inverclyde, which has inspired hundreds of people to take a pride in their area by getting involved in litter picks across the district.

They help to look after the town's Tower Hill beauty spot and are also leading the way on local efforts to reduce waste and address climate change.

Stephen, 58, who lives in Gourock with wife Aileen and has two grown up sons, said: "I am truly humbled by this award.

"It is a tremendous recognition for all the work that our community groups do.

"We are showing that everyone has a part to play in making Gourock and Inverclyde more environmentally-friendly.

"There is so much work to be done but I think people are much more aware of the environment now."

Gourock Garden Party takes place in the Walled Gardens off Larkfield Road on Sunday June 19.