The celebration marked their achievement in becoming qualified Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) Assessors, thanks to a partnership between Wheatley and the leading environmental charity.

As KSB Assessors, they will work on projects to improve neighbourhoods, promote sustainability, and build a stronger sense of community pride.

Among those recognised was Stephen Youngson, 49, originally from Orkney and now living in Annan.

Stephen, who is also part of Wheatley’s Stronger Voices customer engagement programme, said: “I find it an interesting experience, and I think it is a brilliant thing that Wheatley engages with tenants in this way as it gives us a voice on what happens in the local area.

“Wheatley’s Neighbourhood Environmental Teams do a great job in keeping the area clean and tidy. You always see the teams out and about in the community clearing away waste. Our role is to support those efforts and give them feedback on any areas where improvements can be made.”

Stephen is keen to encourage other Wheatley tenants to get involved with the Keep Scotland Beautiful programme, noting the valuable skills and sense of accomplishment it provides.

He said: “I’d definitely encourage others to get involved. It gives you another set of skills and it is really interesting to be out with others and help make changes to the neighbourhood.

“It is also nice to play my part and give something back. It is great to see my input can make a difference – there’s definitely a good sense of accomplishment.”

The training involves tenants taking an active role within the areas they live and other neighbourhoods across the region to give them a stronger voice, assess their communities and identify areas for improvement.

As part of the regular days of activity, groups of assessors spend a day together, evaluating garden spaces, while receiving support and training from NETs and then provide feedback to the team.

Alex Lamb, managing director at Wheatley Homes South, said: “We are very proud to have empowered our customers to play such an active role within their neighbourhoods.

“As KSB Assessors, they play a huge role in acting as ambassadors for environmental improvement, providing a voice for their communities and actively supporting the work of our Neighbourhood Environmental Team.

“Wheatley’s Neighbourhood Environmental Team service has proved to be hugely popular since first launching across the region. It is great to see so many of our customers not only supportive of that work but also getting involved and playing their part.”

Since launching in July 2021, Wheatley’s NETs have transformed neighbourhoods across Dumfries and Galloway, working with customers, partners and charities to make communities cleaner and greener. A total of 36 Wheatley tenants are now trained as KSB assessors.