MEMBERS of Helensburgh Girls' Brigade gathered at the town's parish church at the weekend for a special celebration.

Long-serving member Mia Ward received the President's Commendation Award at a Service for Rededication of Organisations on Sunday, September 22.

The national president of Girls' Brigade Scotland - Jennifer Major - attended the service to present the award in front of a packed church.

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Joanne Hulley, acting captain of the Helensburgh group, nominated Mia for the award and said: "This award recognises a variety of challenging conditions and situations.

"Mia has Angelman syndrome which is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.

"She has attended Helensburgh Girls' Brigade for 12 years and in spite of her condition she takes part in everything with the help of her mother, the leaders and the other girls.

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"She clearly loves her time at Girls' Brigade and especially enjoys being with the girls, as she is always laughing and smiling with everyone.

"Mia epitomises the Girls' Brigade ethos of inclusiveness and teaches the girls the importance of accepting and including everyone."

Girls' Brigade Scotland is a Christian organisation that welcomes all girls and young women of all faiths or none.

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The Helensburgh company meets on Friday nights at 7pm in the Bridge, Helensburgh Parish Church and welcomes new girls to come along and join the fun.