A DEDICATED volunteer from Troon has been recognised with a long service award.

Wendy McKenna, of 1st Troon Rainbows, was given a special silver badge to mark her 20-years of service, all in the same unit.

She started volunteering with the Rainbows at the same time her daughter joined, after a friend told her the unit was desperate for volunteers.

At the time, she had already been thinking about starting volunteering for a while, and decided to take the plunge.

The award was given to her at the end of one of the group's sessions, when Elin Marsh, the county commissioner, surprised her.

She was given a big bunch of flowers from South Ayrshire Guiding, two commemorative badges, and separate flowers from her colleagues

Wendy said: "You feel almost a bit embarrassed because you’re suddenly the centre of attention then you feel the definite appreciation, because it was lovely to have all these years acknowledged and appreciated."

Throughout her time with the Rainbows, one of the highlights is the 'almost sleepover night', which is a full day of activities such as baking, crafts, and dance shows.

She decided to stay with the same unit for all this time, after Margaret Short, the leader who started 1st Troon Rainbows wanted to step back.

This made Wendy realise how much she was needed, and she decided to stay and continue working with the girls.

Her passion for volunteering for all these years comes from the team she works with and the kids she meets.

She said: "They’re fantastic, they’re friends more than anything else.

"Plus, it’s the young people, the girls themselves, they’re so funny, because at that age they love to tell you stories and they’re good fun and make me laugh."

After all this time, the best advice she can give to potential volunteers is letting them know how rewarding the experience is.

She added: "Guiding is an amazing supportive team, you’re never going to feel alone, there’s always someone there who’s going to give you a hand.

"I just find it’s so rewarding especially when you get little ones who are quite shy and quiet and by the time they’re leaving they’re the most outgoing little people.

"You’ll always know you’ve had an impact even if it might be small."