Congratulations go to this year's Fairlie Young Citizen of the year award winners.

The prestigious prize was won by two teenagers - Alexandra Harris, 15, of Castlepark Gardens, and Rebecca Sharland, 16, of Castlepark Drive. Both girls are members of the North Ayrshire Schools' Band which recently won a gold award at the Scottish Concert Festival, and both have been junior helpers at the Fairlie Drop In Club.

Rebecca plays the saxophone, and Alexandra is a flautist, and have both featured in the Largs Academy band since 1st year, and toured Germany, and they were also involved in the Largs Academy productions of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.

The girls are also leadership ambassadors at Largs Academy, and were selected to take part in a three year training course, and are regularly called up to help volunteer at parents evenings, literacy days, and other events at the school.

The presentation took place at the traditional Fairlie Christmas tree lighting at the Village Hall, which was switched on by Frank Donnachie, assisted by Luca De Jong and Laurie Smith.

In 1993 Margaret Currie was awarded the British Empire Medal for all that she had contributed to the community. It was decided to have an annual award in her name for a young citizen of Fairlie, who has worked with or encouraged other youngsters as a leader or who had achieved something significant in their life. Margaret was also the former Village News correspondent for the Largs News.

Ann Tyler, who helped organise the tree lighting ceremony, said: "Both girls are really helpful at the church too, and they are great with young children. I went along to see Alexandra and Rebecca perform for the North Ayrshire Schools Band, and was blown away by the quality of the talent. They are very worthy winners."