"FURIOUS" litter picking volunteers have seen red after their hard work helped bag a top award - but they received no recognition.

John Peters, 61 and Grant Wooton, 45, spend their free time litter picking at Slades Farm and the surrounding areas.

Earlier this month Slades Farm received a Green Flag Award.

John and Grant believe the award is an "insult".

The scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

The duo believe Slades Farm "definitely should not" have received an award unless they received some recognition.

John Peters said: "We are not happy bunnies. This award is an insult to my intelligence.

"There’s only two of us that do the litter picking and clearing up in the area, the council don’t have anything to do with it.

"Why should they get the credit, they do nothing. We are both furious."

Bournemouth Echo: Grant and John litter picking at Slades Farm, Bournemouth Grant and John litter picking at Slades Farm, Bournemouth

The pair have been litter picking at Slades Farm for nine years now.

John added: "We do it all out of our own goodwill and the public are always praising us.

"There is only one public bin provided at Slades Farm so you can imagine how much litter is left to clear up.

"The reason we do it is because I don’t like living in a pig sty, the nature reserve and skateboard park are opposite to my home.

"Kids are always there and I hate the thought of them falling on broken glass or anything like that.

"We are still going to carry on litterpicking, the locals will tell you themselves if it wasn’t for us, this place wouldn’t of won the award."

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “Slades Farm was awarded the Green Flag in recognition of the commitment and work of volunteers but the naming of individuals or individual groups in a communication covering 23 sites is unfortunately not practical, but we of course really appreciate the efforts of Grant and John and all our volunteers.

"They are dedicated to maintaining our precious green and open spaces and regularly work alongside the parks team on everything from litter picking to heathland management and supporting our visitor centres."