THE work of social enterprises in the Forth Valley has been recognised with an award.

Hard work and collaboration has paid off for Forth Valley Social Enterprise Network (FVSEN) after it received the Social Enterprise Places Award from Social Enterprise Scotland.

It comes as the region has been recognised as a place where social enterprises make an impact in towns and villages, helping to revitalise communities.

Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI) has been working with counterparts Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise and CVS Falkirk over the past five years to support the development of FVSEN.

There are around 180 active social enterprises in the Forth Valley, ranging from hostels to training providers, reuse shops to plant nurseries.

FVSEN is a way for them to connect and cross sell to each other, sharing best practice and informing and inspiring new generations of young social entrepreneurs.

The award was presented by Chris Martin, Social Enterprise Scotland CEO, at a Bonnybridge event on Wednesday, March 17.

Partners and social enterprises came together in Bonnybridge to celebrate with three social enterprises sharing their journeys.

They include Alloa's Resonate Together, which has been striving to construct and inclusive environment where collective and sustainable solutions can be found for local and global communities.

Other social enterprises sharing their journeys included Baillifields Community Hub and Grace Chocolates from Stirling.

The event was also a chance to network while a booklet promoting FVSEN and outlining members' plans for the future was also launched.

This will include increasing the use and awareness of the FVSEN online directory and ensure people understand the value of ethical purchasing.

The online directory is a great way to find out what social enterprises are in the area.

Those looking to set up a social enterprise are being encouraged to get in touch with their local third sector interface (TSI) for support every step of the way.