FIVE community gardens in West Dunbartonshire - including one within a park - have been recognised nationally.

The plots in Dumbarton, Clydebank and Balloch were recently assessed as part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful It's Your Neighbourhood Initiative.

Bellsmyre Community Garden was rated as Outstanding, while Dalmuir Park Community Garden, Faifley Community Garden and Allotments and Whitecrook Community Garden were all assessed as thriving, and Lomond Community Garden and Allotments assessed as developing.

Faifley Community Garden was presented with a Certificate of Distinction for continuous improvement.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, Convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, said: "These garden are a fantastic resource in their areas."