BARRHEAD pupils were honoured after displaying their linguistic talents at an annual Focus on Language festival.

A handful of teens from the town’s two high schools received Young Linguists awards from the Rotary Club of Barrhead.

The event at the Dalmeny Park Hotel saw students deliver speeches in French and Italian to club members, teachers and their families.

Gongs were handed over to Barrhead High pupils Hollie Campbell and Ailidh Hamilton, while Thomas MacRae and Alicja Lubinska, of St Luke’s High, also collected plaques.

A special mention was then given to St Luke’s High student Jayden Petch, who was selected to represent both his school and the Rotary Club at the European Parliament’s Euroscola event in Strasbourg.

There, Jayden was given the chance to learn about European integration by meeting with hundreds of students from all across the continent.

Drew Hughes, Rotary Club secretary, commended all those involved in the festival.

He said: “Teachers and parents are justly proud of the achievements of these young people, who are a credit to their schools, and the Rotary Club is delighted to recognise their achievements.

“On the evening, the winners of Young Linguists 2017 made presentations in their preferred languages, French and Italian.

“We all appreciated not only the content but the confident way in which the students were able to converse in their chosen language.”

Mr Hughes revealed that, for many years, the Rotary Club has chosen a candidate to send as a Euroscola to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where they have all “acquitted themselves very well”.

He added: “This year was no exception, as Jayden Petch represented the club and Scotland in Strasbourg.

“Jayden spoke of his experience of meeting 500 students from all of the European countries.

“One topic for discussion was our future involvement in the Euroscola programme when we leave the European Union.

“Jayden did say that, when he discussed the subject with other pupils, they were very sympathetic.

“However, we would hope that we could continue with the project, as it is an excellent way of introducing young people to share international ideas and understanding.”