A Kilwinning girl has won an award for giving her time to a national charity.

Volunteer Laura Jukes received a Saltire Award earlier in the month at the Childline helpline’s Glasgow base.

Laura was presented with the award by Scotland’s Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd.

Laura is studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in psychology at the University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley, and the 21-year-old gives up her free time for Childline, which provides a free, private and confidential service for children and young people.

The Saltire Awards, which are endorsed by the Scottish Government, are for young people aged between 12 and 25 and recognise and reward them for their fantastic contribution to volunteering.

Laura, wh o receive d her award after recording 201 hours of voluntary service, said: “I am delighted to receive the Saltir e Award. It means a lot to me because it reflects time spent supporting many children and young people as a Childline counsellor.

“I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at Childline, it’s an invaluable service that has provided me with a greater insight into others’ lives and experiences, and the opportunity to make a positive difference.

“Every child and young person deserves to be listened to, supported and cared for. I strongly recommend anyone who has a passion for helping children and young people to join Childline.”

Minister Maree Todd said: “Each Childline volunteer presented with a Saltire Award today has demonstrated a genuine passion and commitment to helping other children and young people.

“All children have the right to be cared for and protected from harm, and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights and needs are respected.

“The Year of Young People 2018 provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the amazing talents and achievements of all young people in Scotland, and Childline’s volunteers exemplify that spirit.”

In 2016-17, Childline volunteers delivered around 2,300 counselling sessions with children from the West of Scotland area area.

Jayne Laidlaw, Childline manager for the Glasgow base, added: “We are delighted to currently have a large number of young people volunteering with us and their contribution is of great value to our service. ”

To volunteer for the NSPCC and Childlineplease visit: https://bit.ly/2PmW4qP