WEST Dunbartonshire volunteers have been recognised for their dedication to helping vulnerable children in the area after serving on the Children's panel for more than 100 years between them.

The 12 panel members were thanked for their dedication at a recognition event hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council recently. Janet Crabtree from Clydebank and Irene Murdoch from Dumbarton were recognised for 15 years’ service, while Bowling’s Hugh Smith and Clydebank’s Elizabeth McKerrall were thanked for their decade of Children’s Panel membership.

The service of another seven members was also acknowledged, and 18 new panel members received certificates to recognise their successful completion of pre-service training.

Helensburgh resident Mike Palmer, who convenes the support team that oversees the panel locally, also received a special award to mark his retiral after 24 years of service.

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, the council’s representative on the West Dunbartonshire area support team, said: “As a council we are dedicated to improving life chances for children and young people and the Children’s Panel has a key part to play in achieving that.

"It is fantastic to see so many local people dedicate their time to a service that makes a real difference to children going through difficulties.”

Children’s hearings Scotland board member Marian Martin added: “Having grown up in West Dunbartonshire I know what good neighbours the people here can be to other families.

"Helping children and young people who have experienced difficult lives reach their full potential is important to them.

"Both the panel members and the area support team members deserve this recognition of the important work they do and the value they add to the community.”

The Children’s Panel is made up of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds who either live or work in the area and make decisions about the welfare of vulnerable children who need help.

Applications for new members are held every year, and are now open for 2016.

Anyone interested in becoming a Children’s Panel member, or who would like to find out more, should visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org or contact Scott Kelly at the council on 01389 737220.

An information evening will also be held at the council’s Garshake Road offices in Dumbarton on Wednesday, August 31, at 6.45pm.