Caitlin Armstrong and Morgan Friel, pupils at Johnstone High, both scooped Young Person’s Award after making a difference in their local area.

Lochwinnoch man David Lynch was also presented with a Local Hero Award for helping to save a teenager who had been contemplating suicide.

When David saw a distressed young woman climbing up a piece of road signage in order to jump from the Erskine Bridge, he knew he had to act quickly.

He pulled over his car and stayed with the 17-year-old, who had gone missing from Airdrie, until police arrived. His actions stopped a situation that may have ended in tragedy.

Congratulating those being recognised, Chief Superintendent Alan Speirs, Local Policing Commander for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said: “These Awards demonstrate that local policing continues to be shaped around the needs of the community and encourages us to find ever more effective ways of working together and keeping people in our communities safe.” Caitlin, a pupil at Johnstone High, won the award for helping to single-handedly raise more than £1,000 by selling home baking within her local neighbourhood.

The 12-year-old has also been a young carer for her disabled neighbour for four years helping out with household chores, making tea and being a friend to her.

Morgan Freil, a 16-year-old volunteer for local group Street Stuff, was also recognised for helping other young people in her community.

Her hard work and commitment to the project now means that she is a great role model for other young people and hopes to continue working hard and go on to University.

They were both give Young Person’s Award at the ceremony held within the Wynd Centre, Paisley.

The awards, presented by Chief Superintendent Alan Speirs, celebrated the achievements of both police officers and members of the public in various nominated categories.

Assistant Chief Constable for the West of Scotland, Wayne Mawson, also attended to support the awards and hear about the achievements of the nominees.

Other awards included a Partnership Award, which went to Stephen Gallacher for driving the ‘Street Stuff’ programme at St Mirren Park, a programme largely aimed at diverting young people from 10 to 18 years away from anti-social behaviour.

PC Daniel Keenan, who works in the Renfrewshire division, was also recognised for his bravery and commitment to keeping people safe.

On the afternoon of March 10, he was travelling through Renfrew on a routine call when he noticed a man carrying a bottle of cider move onto the road brandishing a kitchen knife at the Police car.

PC Keenan immediately radioed for assistance, but aware that this man could be a danger to the surrounding public, he overpowered him to the ground and pushed the knife under the car.

Daniel’s bravery in a difficult and dangerous situation protected the public.