TWO Gourock schools who used music to promote friendship and bring different faiths together have been honoured at Holyrood.

Pupils and staff from Clydeview Academy and St Columba’s High went to the Scottish Parliament to be presented with ‘Champions for Change’ awards by leading charity Nil by Mouth.

The award was made in recognition of their pioneering anti-sectarian partnership.

Second year pupils took part in a special contest where teams were tasked to re-word the Proclaimers' famous 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' song to promote friendship and combat bigotry.

The presentation at Holyrood was hosted by Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, who arranged for the pupils to meet community safety ministe Annabelle Ewing MSP.

The minister also made a special presentation to the two staff who drove the project forward - Elaine Tait from Clydeview and Stephen Neeson from St Columba’s.

The teachers were awarded prestigious individual ‘Champion for Change’ awards by the charity in light of their hard work and commitment.

Only eight of these awards have ever been handed out, with previous winners including former First Minister Lord McConnell.

Local MSP Mr McMillan said: "The work undertaken by Nil By Mouth is important in helping turn around sectarianism and I welcome this project being delivered in my constituency.

"I was delighted to meet with the pupils and teachers involved and know that the project was well received and appreciated.

"Congratulations to Elaine Tait and Stephen Neeson for their awards.

"I believe this project will stand everyone in good stead.”

Nil By Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott says the programme Clydeview and St Columba's worked on is 'one of the most enjoyable and successful we have ever been involved in'.

He added: "It’s fantastic to be able to bring some of those involved to the parliament so decision makers can learn more about what has made it such a success.

"The pupils also had the chance to ask the MSPs questions and tell them more about their own views on how best we can rid Scotland of sectarianism.

"We are particularly delighted that the minister was able to present Stephen and Elaine with their awards, as we have been blown away by the levels of commitment they have shown and the imaginative way they have brought the pupils together."