A VOLUNTEER who has organised several clean up events after the recent storms has been recognised with an award.

Storm Wallace was presented with a Marine Environment Award at Chesil this morning.

She is the first person to receive the award, which has been spearheaded by Portland dive centre Underwater Explorers.

The centre will present one or two local people with a Marine Environment Award each year.

A spokesman said: “The award recognises Storm’s individual achievement in environmental awareness and consists of a sponsorship which will see her through an internationally recognised diver course so she will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.

“Our goal is to see Storm and future recipients of this award and sponsorship extend their environmental responsibilities to the underwater realm while working together with our team towards creating a stronger presence in Portland and Weymouth to monitor the marine environment in a positive, interactive way.

“We also hope this will encourage other local businesses to initiate similar programmes and projects to encourage environmental awareness.”

Portlanders are putting on their wellies and heading to the Little Ship at Victoria Square to clean the garden and surrounding areas.

The clean will extend to the beach if weather permits and anyone is welcome to join.