Director of White & Wild Milk David Shaw has been presented with a 'Green Pioneer' award at the Green Hero Awards, held at the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh.

Mr Shaw, a leading dairy farmer and East Ayrshire councillor campaigning on green issues, was named a 'Green Pioneer' in recognition of his commitment to the environment. Fittingly, it was Professor David Bellamy, who introduced White & Wild at its launch at the House of Commons in 2002, who conferred the award.

The 'Green Pioneer' is a new award from the Green Organisation, organisers of the International Green Apple and Green Hero award, designed to recognise individuals leading the way on environmental issues.

As a Tree Appeal partner White & Wild has planted over 60,000 trees across the country. Now supporting Tree Appeal's 'Trees for Schools' scheme, White & Wild is planting trees in school grounds - bringing environmental education alive for children and young people.

Mr Shaw, from Sorn, Mauchline, runs the Sorn Milk Group, comprising 75 dairy farmers in South West Scotland, which has been in operation since 1994 - consistently paying better than average prices to its members.

White & Wild has established itself as a strong Scottish brand, airing its first TV advertising campaign in autumn 2008 featuring endorsing celebrity, Bill Oddie. A new high profile TV campaign is planned for 2009.