A BORDERS environmental charity is seeking nominations for its fifth annual “River Champion Award”.

Tweed Forum, which was formed in 1991 to promote the sustainable use of the River Tweed and its surroundings, set up the prize to recognise the work of people committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the area.

Director of Tweed Forum Luke Comins said: “The Tweed Forum River Champion Award aims to recognise and raise awareness of the vital contribution made by a huge range of people to the welfare of the Tweed.

“The river provides tremendous environmental, social and economic benefits to the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, so their contribution is essential as we all work to protect and conserve this incredible asset.”

The award is open to anyone living or working in the Borders or north Northumberland.

Their work to protect the river can include any action taken since 2014 and can have been done through their job, volunteering or any other personal commitment.

Activities can include anything from wildlife preservation initiatives and flood prevention to woodland, wetland and moorland management or listed building preservation.

Last year’s Tweed Forum River Champion was Tom Rawson, who campaigns to reduce plastic littering and single-use plastic in the Scottish Borders.

Mr Rawson, a teacher at St Mary’s School in Melrose, said: “I am passionate about educating, enthusing and empowering the region’s children to be the future guardians of our environment.”

Mr Comins added: “We’re greatly looking forward to choosing another very worthy winner this year.”

Nominations close on Friday, September 25. Full details are available on Tweed Forum’s website tweedforum.org/our-work/river-champion