A coach at a local swimming club has been honoured with a prestigious award.

Victoria Torrance, coach at REN96, was presented with her Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold Award by Renfrewshire Council’s Provost Cameron.

The club’s home is at the ON-X in Linwood but also utilises pools around Neilston, Paisley, Johnstone, Erskine and Barrhead.

Victoria said: "DofE has been a huge part of my life for a few years now, through it I have met some of my closest friends and I've learned so many new skills.

"It's not all about the expeditions, you've got skills, physical and volunteering sections to complete, which allow you to learn, meet new people, see new places, expand on skills you already have and have new experiences in which you learn new skills.

"If I could go on my journey from start to finish again, I absolutely would.

"With memories that will last me a lifetime and friendships with people that I couldn't even have dreamed of meeting, I'll be forever grateful for the experience I've had and all of the opportunities it has given me.

"I've gained so much from DofE and if you get the chance I would 100% go for it.

"It's been tough at times but I wouldn't change it for the world."

Victoria started her journey with REN96 when she was seven years old, spending 11 years as a competitive swimmer.

Her passion for swimming saw her transition from assisting the coaches to joining the coaching team during her final competing year.

Beside coaching, she teaches swimming and is passionate about seeing children progressing from being learners to strong swimmers.

Swimming sessions, she believes, are meant to be a place of joy, laughter and fun where children from different backgrounds can come together to do something they love.