FIVE young volunteers from North Ayrshire have graduated from The Boys’ Brigade’s flagship King George VI Youth Leadership Training (KGVI) course.

Daniel Hunter and Ryan Boyce (both of 1st Saltcoats), Robert Montgomery (1st West Kilbride) and Blair Boyd (1st/2nd Dreghorn) were presented with their certificates by Jim Sweeney, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, at a special graduation ceremony at Kilsyth Anderson Parish Church, Kilysth, on Saturday, March29.

Andy Thomson (1st West Kilbride) also completed the course.

Speaking after his graduation Ryan Boyce said: “KGVI has helped me improve my confidence as a leader.” Robert Montgomery (pictured) added: “KGVI has helped me be more organised in day-to-day life and also made me more comfortable in facing challenging tasks which would have intimidated me before.” The course, which began in the 1950s in memory of King George VI, is a two-year programme which covers key aspects of BB training equipping young leaders to lead activities in their local BB group.

It includes a two-week residential course and allows young people to show and develop their skills, regardless of academic ability, which they can transfer into the workplace or further education.

Bill Stevenson, director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said: “The KGVI Youth Leadership course is an incredible experience for our young people.

“We were delighted that Jim Sweeney was able to present the certificates.

“The KGVI graduates go back to their local group and make a significant impact, using their time, talent and enthusiasm to make a difference to the next generation of BB members.

“Recent growth in our membership underlines the need for even more adult volunteers, such as these young people, so we can continue to provide opportunities for children and young people.” The KGVI Course is SCQF Credit Rated by the SQA.

Since its inception, over 2,300 young leaders have benefited from this training