THE newly-elected head boy and girl at Barrhead High have told of their pride after being handed the prestigious roles.

Ryan Dobbins, 16, and 17-year-old Tori McLelland came through a rigorous selection process which was ultimately decided by a vote among teachers and fellow pupils.

Now the pair are determined to reflect their pride in the school through the day-to-day activities which the roles entail.

Barrhead boy Ryan said: “I am delighted to be given the role of head boy, which comes with a lot of responsibilities and is ultimately aimed at supporting pupils and teachers.

“I will be chairing weekly meetings about what’s going on in the school, covering topics such as volunteering, yearbook planning, parents’ evenings, proms and even the Burns supper.”

Tori added: “It’s an honour to be elected and I am looking forward to what it entails.

“I don’t necessarily want to bring change to the school but I do want to build on the success it already enjoys in areas such as equality and mental health support.”

Aiming to lead by example, the pair will have a broad range of responsibilities as they oversee the school’s leadership group, which includes 22 pupil members.

They will help perform supervision at breaks and lunchtimes, support younger pupils who may need extra help with specific studies and ensure the school’s 42 clubs are well organised and supported.

The pair also told how they were delighted to get the chance to share ideas with head pupils from other schools in East Renfrewshire after being invited to a meeting with director of education, Mhairi Shaw.

Ryan, who wants to study civil engineering at the University of Strathclyde after leaving school, said: “I am doing maths, so I’ll be able to offer support to younger pupils needing a helping hand with the subject.”

Tori also has her sights set on moving on the University of Strathclyde, where she hopes to study pharmacy.

She said: “I am a keen dancer, so I help to run the dancing class in the school, which is well supported, with 25 members.”