Ecostars Edinburgh has recognised fleet operators that have achieved five stars for environmental performance, helping reduce carbon emissions and improve Edinburgh's air quality.

Highland Explorer Tours, City Circle Coaches, NEXT and DHL were amongst those who were honoured at the event, organised by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Edinburgh is the first local authority in Scotland to participate in the Ecostars scheme which has now been rolled out in Europe.

Ecostars is a free, voluntary scheme providing recognition and tailor-made support on environmental best practice to operators of goods vehicles, buses and coaches whose fleets serve Edinburgh.

The scheme rates vehicles and the operation of a fleet using a star award system to recognise and improve levels of environmental performance. It is co-financed by City of Edinburgh Council and the European Commission as part of the European Ecostars project.