A SALTCOATS woman has received one of the highest honours by receiving a British Empire Medal for her service to the Girls’ Brigade.

Evelyn Porter was presented with the award at Saltcoats North Parish Church on Sunday (November 15) by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, with other dignitaries at the event.

Evelyn has been captain of the 4th Saltcoats Girls’ Brigade for over 51 years and a member of the company for 68 years, with her being pivotal in bringing hundreds of girls through the company.

The 78-year-old was honoured during the packed service by the Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Provost Joan Sturgeon, Reverend Alex Noble and cadet Caitlyn McVittie who carried in the medal.

In a congratulation speech, Joan Sturgeon praised Evelyn for the outstanding commitment she has shown towards the community.

Known by some as the ‘Pied Piper’ of the Girls’ Brigade, due to her serving three generations of families in her time as captain, Mrs Porter was delighted to receive the honour and was humbled by the whole occasion.

She said: “I am very honoured to be given this award for doing something that I really liked over the years, and I would like to thank all the people who have supported me.”

The service was concluded with a special lunch to celebrate Evelyn’s achievements with family and friends there to see her presented with a specially designed cake in the shape and design of a medal.

To complete the weekend, Evelyn appeared on the local radio station, 3TFM, on Monday evening at 9pm.

She was being interviewed by the Rev Alex Noble on his

Holy Half Hour programme and he praised the stalwart’s character.

He said: “She is a legend in

her time, a real character with character, a pied-piper leader and a Christian lady who has always tried her best to serve God and his girls in the Girls’ Brigade.”