HARDY members of Loch Lomond Rugby Club swapped their match boots for wellies as they embarked on a clean-up in Balloch Country Park.

On Saturday, June 17, the senior team volunteered to remove Skunk Cabbage from areas around the park.

After a request for assistance by Gillian Neil, of the West Dunbartonshire Countryside Ranger Service, the club gathered a group of willing volunteers to put something back into the community, which has supported them so well over the years.

More than 3,000 invasive Skunk Cabbages were removed over a four-hour period with the rugby boys using the day as a pre-season training session.

Club chairman Iain Norrie said: “It’s been a great day and we’re always pleased to help anyone, particularly in the local area.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have had brilliant assistance from West Dunbartonshire Council, particularly from Alex Haggarty and his Greenspace team and Alana Crawford and his Sports Development team.

“Very recently we were successful in securing some crucial funding to renovate our dated clubhouse to improve our changing facilities to make them safe and secure for our youngest members.

“We felt this was an opportunity to say thanks and Gillian was brilliant to work alongside today.

“Some of the boys have asked if we can do it again soon, which is a bit weird, so we might start a gardening club instead of the rugby.

“A final thanks goes to Sloans Butchers for catering at the follow on barbecue at our clubhouse.

“Without these contributions from local businesses and our sponsors the club wouldn’t be the great place it is.”