Two teenagers from Stevenston have spoken about the importance of taking part in the community to make things better for all.

Dionne McGrory and Lewis Thomasson are the youngest members of the town’s community council and now, as they head off to university, they are hopeful that other young people will take an interest.

Dionne told the Herald: “We had a perspective on growing up with the issues of society and within school.”

Lewis said: “We’re trying to make a difference to the community, definitely thinking about younger people as they’re kind of under represented, especially teenagers in that age group 13 to 16. They’re not very well looked after.”

The 18-year-olds have been trying to combat the negative reputation that young people in the Three Towns can be saddled with.

Lewis said: “It’s definitely the vast majority of people who are well behaved, it’s always that small subset.

“Hopefully that;s something we could help break – that stigma.”

Dionne said it can be difficult finding opportunities growing up in the town – even for those who are eager for part-time work.

Although being on the community council is not work, she feels as though their involvement has had an impact, not least of all on social media.

The pair have helped the group engage with members of the public, giving residents the chance to have their say even during lockdown.

It has been a strange year for them, with their exams being cancelled along with sixth year prom.

But they were pleased with their results that will see Dionne go to study product design and Lewis off to do law, both at Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

Search Stevenston Community Council on Facebook for more.