AN “inspirational” volunteer who has led 7th Barrhead Guides for 50 years has been honoured.

Renee McDougall, 69, received a service badge to mark the achievement at a Girlguiding East Renfrewshire Thanks and Recognition ceremony.

The feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that Renee is the region’s longest-serving leader, despite having struggled with severe asthma since birth.

Aside from organising countless camping trips for members, Barrhead-born Renee has taught key life skills such as first aid to thousands of girls over the years.

The retired district nurse was given a Laurel award in 1995 in recognition of exceptional service and her levels of dedication have only increased since then.

Renee is delighted to have reached such a landmark milestone and said: “I really am proud. The years have just flown in and you don’t realise it.

“I just hope that I’ve spread a wee seed. I think we help to sow the seeds with all the different activities we do; a lot of the Guides are now guiders.

“I don’t keep well and it’s been a struggle. I used to take the Guides camping and I would take the oxygen tank with me.

“I keep my promise and I promise to do my best and do my duty to God, to serve the Queen and help other people.”

Christine Mailley, county commissioner for Girlguiding East Renfrewshire, said: “Renee truly is an inspiration. She has dedicated so much time over the last 50 years to guiding and we truly appreciate all her hard work and passion.”

Renee, who is also a former Barrhead News Local Hero, joined the Brownies aged seven before signing up for the Girl Guides at the age of 10.

Her passion for what the group stood for saw Renee become a leader in her late teens and she hasn’t looked back since.

It is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the young girls’ lives that makes Girlguiding so rewarding for Renee.

Asked for the highlights of her time with 7th Barrhead Guides were, she replied: “Just seeing the girls smiling and changing their lives.

“They come in as young girls, maybe frightened, and they come out lovely young women.

“I don’t have any children myself but I’ve had all those girls. They come up to you with their problems and you’re able to help them.”

Events were held at Shanks Bowling Club, St Andrew’s Parish Church and Stamperland Social Club to celebrate Renee’s achievement.

Friends, family and fellow guides gathered to pay tribute to the Harelaw Avenue resident who was blown away by the support.

Renee said: “It was absolutely fantastic to think that they’d done that for me. It was great.”