Members of Irvine Clean Up Crew enjoyed a right royal appointment earlier this week.

Five members of the team attended the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood to represent the Crew, who were honoured for their hard work cleaning up the town.

King Charles was in attendance as Clean Up Crew chairperson Jen Pless, schools co-ordinator Jean Harris, treasurer Kathryn Sloan, volunteer Catherine Bayliss and committee member Lesley McDade enjoyed a fantastic day out.

Jen said: "We had a lovely time at the Royal Garden Party. It was a real honour to have been nominated to attend.

"We are so used to being in our scruffy clothes, digging in bushes for litter, so it made a nice change to be able to get dressed up.

"We all enjoyed the experience and especially enjoyed talking to one of the Royal Company of Archers about his volunteer role. He was even kind enough to tell us where to stand to get a better view of the King.

Ayrshire produce at the garden partyAyrshire produce at the garden party (Image: Irvine Clean Up Crew)

"We all enjoyed the cucumber sandwiches and other delights that were on offer. There were wee chocolate orange cakes that were especially delicious and it was lovely to see that it was Isle of Arran ice cream that was being offered to all of the guests."

But now the party's over, and it's back to work for the environmental campaigners.

Coming up, they have a community beach clean at Irvine Beach this Saturday, July 6 at 10am.

Everyone should meet just behind the Coastwatch pavilion at the picnic area.

Jen said: "All are welcome and we've got plenty of equipment available to borrow.

"We are also looking for help with getting the inside of our new portacabin painted. We've got the paint, we just need helpers to get the paint on the walls.

"If you'd like to help you can reach us via Facebook or by emailing irvinecleanupcrew@gmail.com.