clean up the Island -- it faces a social problem.

The group has been incredibly successful in reaching most parts of the community to join in with its clean-up campaigns.

But there is still one group of Bermudians who tend not to care what is happening to their beautiful home.

Many youngsters in their late teens and early 20s are a constant headache for the KBB and all its volunteers.

Press Officer Ms Emma Mitchell said the KBB is targeting these youngsters. She explained: "It is a social problem because you find a lot of problems in this age group, like drugs. For example, they tend to party and throw bottles out of car windows without thinking.'' However the KBB's work has managed to mobilise the whole range of the community from school children to large companies.

At its annual meeting last night, the KBB recognised school environmental programmes and students as well as introducing the President's Environmental Leadership Award for local companies.

The award for the Island's top eco-conscious company was introduced by retiring president Mr. Barry Brewer. The award was made to the Bermuda Paint Company.

Mr. Brewer said: "The President's Environmental Leadership Award is being introduced for the sole purpose of raising the community's awareness toward local companies who are willing to show voluntary initiative and commitment to Bermuda's natural environment which is outstanding.

"The first recipient will be Bermuda Paint Company Ltd. From the sign on the front of their building to their industry-leading introduction of water based, non-toxic paints, Bermuda Paint is truly deserving of this first award.'' Giving hope for the future are the special Merit Awards. Mr. Brewer said: "We knew that schools were doing some wonderful things but until we asked for some details and names, we had no idea just how far-reaching some of their projects were.'' Examples include nine-year-old Kyle Masters at Southampton Glebe School who crushes bottles for use to the walkway to his house which is currently under construction.

Nuri Bashir, a ten-year-old Dellwood student who stars in KBB commercials, manages a community garden at home where he plants vegetables.

Other students like Praveen Gunwarden, of Elliott School, make it their mission to keep the school grounds immaculate.

Abby Stuart, of St. George's Prep., clips every six-pack holder after reading what a menace they were to fish and animals.

Mr. Brewer leaves after two successful years as president of the KBB. He is credited with changing the image of the KBB from a pensioners' group to a dynamic force. The new president is Mrs. Kendaree Burgess Fairn.

KEEPING BERMUDA BEAUTIFUL -- Children who collected KBB awards last night for work by themselves or their schools are seen with Lady Waddington (second from left) and Youth Committee Chairman Miss Pamela Wimbush (far left) who presented the awards.