A POPULAR group has been recognised for their hard work bringing women together in Largs.

Largs Women's Institute - formed under the Scottish Women's Institute - has been awarded The Retson Family trophy by the organisation's national president, Mary Burney, at the SWI's AGM for being a new group with the most members.

As previously reported, the group held its first meeting on September 6 last year when 66 women turned up - and it was revealed that they had the potential to be the largest in Scotland.

The Largs group has 54 members after it was set up in 2023 by chairperson Wendy Cook after she realised there wasn't enough women's groups in the town.

READ MORE: Newly-formed women's group delighted over huge turnout in Largs

Wendy decided to set up the area's first SWI following a first meeting with the Ayrshire Federation and local women in May to garner interest, with the inaugural Largs SWI meeting held later that year.

She told the News: "I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve won an award for being a new institute with the most members.

"It has been incredible bringing this group to life and seeing the positive impact it has had on local women and the wider community.

"Thank you to everyone on the committee for their hard work and enthusiasm. I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the next year!”

The Largs SWI prides itself on having an excellent range of local speakers at their meetings and has already raised £400 for two local charities.

Following a successful Community Investment Fund bid from North Ayrshire Council, which raised £15,393, the Largs SWI now has guaranteed funding for setting up a new sewing club, as well as further collaboration with the Clyde Coast and Cumbrae's Men’s Shed.

The funding will also cover the group's running costs for the next two years, ensuring it is fully self-sufficient and has a sustainable future so that current and future members, as well as the wider community, can continue to benefit.

For more information about the town's SWI, visit the website at theswi.org.uk or email largsswi@gmail.com.