BUSINESS leaders of the future graced the stage of Paisley Town Hall for the annual Renfrewshire Employability Awards.

Employees, entrepreneurs and interns were just some of the top talent recognised at the glittering ceremony, hosted by television and radio presenter Bryan Burnett.

Businesses nominated people who have been supported through the Employability in Renfrewshire programme and, after a nail-biting wait, nine winners were crowned.

Johnstone High School student and film-maker Morgan Spence, 17, proved he had a bright future ahead of him by lifting the Youth CV Builder trophy.

Morgan, from Kilbarchan, is a stop-motion animator and produces films using Lego for companies such as BBC Worldwide, ABC and the British Red Cross.

Hailed as “exceptional” by his teachers, he has made a large contribution to Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021, having created a short film which showcases the cultural exponents of the town and region.

Morgan said: “It was a real honour to be selected to receive the Youth CV Builder award and I loved hearing everyone’s stories about their personal development.

“I would love to get a job in the media or creative industries in the future while carrying on doing my animation freelance.”

Meanwhile, mum-of-three Barbara Brown clinched the Achiever of the Year title.

She was out of work for more than a decade but received adult learning support through Renfrewshire Council and landed a job as a primary school supervisory assistant, plus a further role as a housekeeper at Montrose Care Home, in Foxbar.

Debbie Campbell was handed the Top Intern prize after working with I Am Me Scotland to raise awareness of disability hate crime.

Other award winners were Jamie Drysdale (Most Promising New Employee), Homam Sharif (Best Trainee), Euan McIntosh (Most Promising New Entrepreneur), Laura Connor (Adult CV Builder), Laura Currie (Progression in Work) and Andrew McClorey (Apprentice of the Year).