A SPORTY Largs teenager says she is 'thrilled' after being named as a finalist in the North Ayrshire Civic Pride Awards.

Zoe Swanson, 17, has been nominated after showing outstanding initiative to set up local netball and dancing classes for youngsters in and around the town, as well as mentoring younger pupils at Largs Academy.

She says she is inspired to help other children and teenagers to achieve their goals - and that the recognition for her work has come as a complete shock.

Zoe added: "I have been doing a lot of volunteering and coaching for the last couple of years.

"As well as being highly involved with junior netball, I have also helped start a dance club at the school. There are four dance groups and also a primary aged one, and we have been going to competitions as well."

The sixth year pupil has recently applied to universities in Stirling and Edinburgh to study sport coaching and development.

Zoe added: "I have always been active in sport from a young age.

"I enjoy interacting with the junior years at the school and coaching younger people, sport can offer so much. I have been helping out with the first and second years at PE and I'm really enjoying myself."

Zoe paid credit to PE teachers Mr Kavannie and Ms Dempsey for helping her achieve her nomination.

The teen, who lives in Woodcroft Avenue with parents Jackie Cechinni and Steven Swanson, says moving into the new school campus last year with its state of the art gym facilities and dance studio has been a huge boost to all the pupils.

She said: "We can do so much more with the new equipment and all of us really appreciate the investment that has been made."

All well as dancing, Zoe teaches cheerleading and hip-hop classes.

Asked about her nomination, Zoe said: "I was really shocked - but also delighted.

"The school is happy with what I am doing and nothing gives me greater pride than seeing young people progress."

Zoe is also a pupil at the North Ayrshire Sports Academy, a one-year programme which offers a sporting qualification at the end of it, and a mental health ambassador at the school.

She enjoys going along to support the Largs Colts, where her younger brother Ryan stars in their midfield.