TWO young Bankies have been named as finalists in the 2021 Young Scot awards for their generosity towards others during the pandemic.

Mollie-Rose Shields and Demi Lee Kelly both featured on the awards shortlist when it was published last week.

Mollie-Rose, 11, caught the eye of the judges after the Post featured her generosity towards her neighbours in the early days of the first coronavirus lockdown a year ago.

The St Eunan’s Primary pupil used her own money during the initial lockdown to buy Easter eggs for her neighbours, sparking donations from members of the public which enabled her to give out 600 more eggs around the community.

Mollie-Rose, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction, has also joined the volunteer team at Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, helping to organise donations, wrap up hampers and deliver food packages.

Demi, 21, a qualified beautician, also attracted the judges’ attention after she baked cupcakes for elderly neighbours, made sure those living near her had everything they needed, and surprised care home workers with trays of scones.

She then went on to team up with a friend to design a range of clothes which they sold to raise more than £2,000 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Mollie-Rose, from Drumry, is a finalist in the awards’ Unsung Hero category, while Demi is in the running for the Community award.

Mollie, who has also been nominated in the Provost’s Civic Awards organised by West Dunbartonshire Council, told the Post: “It feels good to be nominated, knowing that people took the time to nominate me and feeling the support of the community makes me feel good.

“I’m excited that I have been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero award and have a chance of winning. No matter the outcome, I’m proud of myself and will continue supporting the community.”

Mollie’s mum Leanne added: “I am so proud of Mollie-Rose and everything she has done in the community. She has overcome so much helping others in these difficult times. It’s a waiting game now for both the Provost’s award and the Young Scot awards.

“She is such a loving and caring girl who is currently growing her hair out so she can get it cut for the Little Princess Trust.”

Taking to Facebook, Demi said: “Over the moon that I can now tell everyone I’ve been nominated and selected as a finalist.

“Looking forward to the virtual ceremony – to even be nominated is insane, never mind make the final!”

And Mollie-Rose and Demi aren’t the only young people from West Dunbartonshire to be named on the awards shortlist.

Also in the running for the Unsung Hero award are Jack Mullen and Alfie King from Alexandria.

Louise Macdonald OBE, chief executive of Young Scot, said: “Demi, Mollie-Rose, Jack and Alfie’s inspiring achievements show how important young people are to Scotland and their incredible contribution to communities in West Dunbartonshire.

“A huge congratulations to all of the 2021 finalists – we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements!”