A BRIDGE of Weir woman who has volunteered for Childline for over a decade has been presented with the British Empire Medal.

Margaret Robertson, known to her friends as Meg, had been named as a recipient of the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last year.

And it was a proud occasion as she collected the award from Guy Clark, Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.

The presentation ceremony took place at Johnstone Town Hall and was attended by proud members of Mrs Robertson’s family.

Mr Clark said: “This honour recognises Margaret’s outstanding service to the community and to children and young people in particular.

“There is growing recognition of the importance of the type of advice and support given by Childline.

“Meg has progressed from being a volunteer counsellor and is passing on her personal commitment and professional knowledge to volunteer counsellors and the young people they advise.”

Mrs Roberston added: “I am very honoured to receive this award, not only for myself but also as recognition for the work of my fellow volunteers, who make a real difference to the lives of young people who need our help.

“Childline is a special service where young people can talk freely and confidentially about what is going on in their lives and I feel it is a privilege to be able to talk to and support young people who need someone to listen to them.”

Mrs Robertson has lived in Bridge of Weir for 40 years.

She is a retired physiotherapist and has two children, Kirsty and Jody, as well as six grandchildren.

Renfrewshire Provost Anne Hall said the presentation of the BEM is well deserved.

She added: “Meg is an outstanding example of those people in the voluntary sector who are so important to our community.

“Not only is she helping to provide an important service, she is also developing the next generation of volunteers to continue to develop this important work for young people.”

Mr Clark also urged people to think about nominating other members of the community to be considered for awards such as the BEM.

He said: “There are many outstanding people who are improving the lives of others and providing valuable help and support for all types of groups and individuals.

“It isn’t complicated to nominate someone and it could mean someone receiving an award which reflects their contribution to the community. “

Further information is available online at www.gov.uk/honours/overview]www.gov.uk/honours/overview.

To find out more about the work of Childline, visit the charity’s website at www.childline.org.uk.