Young Unionist cleans up at Tidy Northern Ireland Awards

Chairman of North Down Young Unionists Craig Blaney has been recognised by Tidy NI for his recent work in helping to clean up local beaches by being awarded with the Costal Enthusiast of the year.

Speaking at the event Craig praised the work of Tidy Northern Ireland saying "The two words that some up tidy Northern Ireland are dedicational and inspirational. They are dedicated to the work they do throughout Northern Ireland and their dedication and hard work inspired me and others like me to get involved in the clean coast programme."

North Down MLA Leslie Cree said "I am delighted that Craig had shown such initiative in getting involved with the Clean coast programme .Its nice to see young people out there doing work to benefit the whole community. Too often young people are portrayed by the media in a negative light, but it is important that people do not tar all young people with the same brush. Through his work Craig and his colleagues have achieved visible results which undoubtedly benefit both the people who live in the surrounding areas and visiting tourists. To often people see political parties as mere talking shops, the Young Unionists however have demonstrated a more proactive side to politics one which we could all learn from" .

Craig won the award not only for his efforts and enthusiasm in cleaning beaches around Northern Ireland, but also because he got others enthused and excited about the project as well. Having taken part in and organised several beech cleans with the Young Unionists Craig went on to get others within the Ulster Unionist Party involved even getting MEP Jim Nicholson to do his bit , by taking part in a beach clean in Killylea during his busy European election campaign. The Party has now launched a Province wide campaign, hoping to get local communities engaged in tidying up their surroundings.

Describing how the events had unfolded; "I had no idea when I attended that first beach clean in Groomsport that this would be the result and I can only say a big thank you to Tidy Northern Ireland and their staff and volunteers, they come out whatever the weather and are some of the most enthusiastic environmentalists I have ever met. These events really do help - together we can make Northern Ireland a cleaner, tidier place For All of Us"

Jennifer Smyth Tidy Northern Ireland costal officer commented "The Clean Coast Programme aims to enhance the value of the coastline by reducing the impact of litter and other environmental damage .This restores the aesthetic appeal and increases the benefit of the amenity and economic value to the community and visitors. Craig has aided in our endeavors greatly and Fully deserved His award".