Two dedicated Helensburgh and Lomond women have been honoured by the Queen for their service to the community, writes David Carnduff.

Effie Walker, from Helensburgh, and Mary Haggarty, from Arrochar, received the British Empire Medal from Lord Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, Michael Gregory OBE, at a special investiture ceremony in Clydebank town hall last week, writes David Carnduff.

Retired lollipop lady Effie received her award for services to education and the community in Helensburgh.

Mary was honoured for services to the community in Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui, where she is secretary of the community council.

Both proud recipients received their honours as family and area officials looked on prior to a civic reception being held.

Effie, 81, a “legendary” lollipop lady who spent 43 years helping children at Colgrain Primary School get to school safely, said she was delighted to be recognised with the prestigious award – and said the ceremony in Clydebank, attended by her three sisters, brother and grand children, had been “a lovely day”, she said.

She said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award and I would like to thank those who took the time to nominate me. I have had a wonderful, career with great memories of the fantastic children I met during my work.

“I loved seeing the children and hearing their stories. Even on the cold, dark winter mornings when the weather was against us, seeing their excited, happy, smiling faces put a warm glow in my heart.”

Mary, 74, said the investiture ceremony, attended by her son, daughter and grandchildren, had been a “humbling” experience.

“I am really delighted to receive this prestigious award and to be publicly recognised and thanked for something I thoroughly enjoy doing.

“Over the years I’ve had great support, not only from my fellow community council members but also from residents who appreciate our efforts in helping to keep our area clean, safe and secure for everyone to enjoy. I would like to thank the people who nominated me for this great honour which was so unexpected.”

When news broke earlier this year of the women’s recognition by the Queen, their communities reacted with delight. former Provost Billy Petrie, a Freeman of Argyll and Bute and a past deputy lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, paid tribute to both women.

He said: “Effie is simply incredible – I don’t think there’s anyone who has a record quite like hers.”

And of Mary, he said: “She really is ‘Mrs Arrochar’.”

Great-grandmother Effie took up the post at the school in August 1973 and retired in October last year. Pupils and staff congratulated Effie on her “well-deserved” honour.

As well as serving as the community council’s secretary, Mary chairs the local heritage group, serves on the Three Villages Hall committee, is a member of the council at Arrochar Primary and is an elder at Arrochar Parish Church.