A Govan-based orchestra group has been awarded a prestigious community award in a national ceremony.

The Glasgow Barons picked up a prize for 'Creative Regeneration' at the 2020 SURF Awards.

The group, who are currently run by musician Paul MacAlindin and serve as Govan's artist in residence, has been established in the area for the past five years.

They thanks partners including Govan High School music department and Govan Thriving Place.

The Glasgow Barons won alongside groups across the country such as The Tannahill Centre in Paisley and Street League: Head, Body, Future, which operates nationally.

Kate Wimpress, Chair of SURF, said: “2020 challenged us all in ways largely unimaginable at the start of the year, with the global pandemic hitting those least resourced hardest.

"SURF's key objective is to improve the lives and opportunities of residents in Scotland's disadvantaged communities with our Annual Awards recognising and rewarding best practice and innovation.

"In this strangest of years it is fitting that the Awards highlight responses to Covid-19 alongside ongoing regeneration efforts.

"Sincere commendations to this year's nominees and winners facing unprecedented times head on, and to the judges for bringing their enthusiasm and expertise to the table, virtual as it has had to be.”

The SURF Awards, which would normally be presented to winners at Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel, handed out the awards digitally at a special online event.

Winners were personally congratulated by Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Communities, Aileen Campbell MSP at the special event, which also featured an after-dinner speech from award-winning author Kirstin Innes.

Justice Minister, Humza Yousaf ,also congratulated the group on their achievement, saying: "Well deserved recognition for the incredible work Paul and the team at Glasgow Barons have done over the years."