Two Clydebank teenagers have joined in the official launch of a new programme for young women around the world - run by former US First Lady Michelle Obama.

Madeleine Kielty and Charlotte Shearer were the only Girl Guides from Scotland to attend the event, where they heard from Mrs Obama and watched a special USA Girl Scouts Overseas screening of Becoming Me.

In addition to listening to pre-recorded interviews with Mrs Obama, the girls heard from four amazing women, each with their own Becoming stories.

The event was also addressed by Meredith Sakovich, a Major in the United States Marine Corps, Ráchel Roché Walton, an intelligence analyst at the FBI; Alison Williams, chief of staff to Arkansas state governor Asa Hutchinson; and leadership development coach Val Swan, founder of Vallmark LLC.

Madeleine, 15, said: “This was such a life changing experience. Each of the speakers gave inspirational advice and made me feel seen.

"I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity as it has given me a new outlook on life and taught me how to overcome obstacles and thrive in difficult situations.”

Charlotte, who is also 15, said: “I was so happy to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

"I have learned so much from these amazing women and their experiences, and I will use their advice for speaking out and overcoming obstacles in the future.”

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The Becoming Me programme is inspired by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers.

In the six-to eight-week programme girls and young women can earn three badges and explore who they are, the power of their voice and what they want to become.

Girlguiding Scotland, which promotes community service and provides opportunities for girls to develop life skills, is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland with around 45,000 members.

They offer girls and young women aged 5 to 25 a wide range of opportunities to try new experiences, learn new skills and grow in confidence.

Their unique programme includes learning about world issues and science to social action, adventure sports and international travel.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or know a girl who would like to join guiding, visit girlguidingscotland.org.uk/get-involved/ to find out more.