A US senator campaigning to stand for the Democratic nomination for the United States presidency is a fan of Beach Buddies and has praised the environmental work of the Manx charity.

Senator Sherrod Brown first heard of the Manx charity when its founder Bill Dale visited the USA in October 2017.

Mr Dale had been invited as a guest speaker to marine scientists at Youngstown State University, Ohio.

Mr Brown announced last week that he will be conducting a tour of three US states with early primaries before making the final decision to make a bid for the White House.

When informed of the visit and the university’s strong connections to the Isle of Man, Senator Brown presented a ’Certificate of Commendation’ to Beach Buddies ’in recognition of exemplary service to the environment and the students of Youngstown State University’.

The commendation includes the official seal of the United States Senate.

In the USA, proclamations and resolutions are typically issued to recognise the importance of a community event, significant achievements by a community member, or to increase public awareness of a worthy cause.

Beach Buddies received further political recognition during the October 2017 visit, including a proclamation from senator Tim Ryan (Ohio) highlighting how the charity’s volunteers had ’collaborated to solve a systematic environmental problem’ and ’inspiring future generations to protect the environment’.

Also in Ohio, the state’s governor, John R. Kasich, and Lieutenant Governor, Mary Taylor, presented a ’resolution’ which included praise for establishing ’the cleanest beaches in Europe’.

City of Youngstown Mayor, John A. McNally, also made a further proclamation for Beach Buddies’ ’dedication to the environment and preservation of wildlife’.

Another message was provided by Senator Rob Portman (Ohio) for ’outstanding dedication to cause and community’ and ’promoting service learning opportunities in north east Ohio’.