EFFORTS to keep Dumbarton and the Vale litter-free have stepped up a gear after members of a brand new community group rolled up their sleeves and got to work along the banks of the Leven.

The Friends of Leven River Valley picked up rubbish along the east bank of the river near Dalreoch on Saturday, July 17 and on Sunday, July 18 the volunteers cleaned their way along Dalreoch to the A82 bridge. The group took advantage of the lowered water levels to remove debris from the river and accompanying pathways.