A GREENOCK school struck gold as it became one of the first in Scotland to receive the top level of a UNICEF award scheme.

Notre Dame High pupils were granted top status in the 'Rights Respecting School' programme.

Staff and pupils worked tirelessly to ensure child rights are embedded in every aspect of school life.

Youngsters of all ages at the Dunlop Street school have been involved in the process, with head girl Grace Deveney working with the group for two years.

The 16-year-old said: "We surveyed every pupil to find out how they thought we should act out our charter and what they thought about our current processes and what we could do better.

"It allowed us to gather the views of everyone."

A rights-respecting school champions them in all relationships between teachers, adults and pupils.

Kyle Burns, 14, said: "We put posters up in every department.

"We presented to every year group too and really enjoyed the process."

Each time a new year group enters the school they are prompted to sign an agreement on rights which is displayed proudly alongside their charter in the school assembly hall.

Proud depute head Jennifer McDonald and her colleague, English teacher Melissa Corr, have helped to guide the youngsters through the various stages of the award.

Jennifer said: "We are all really proud of the pupils' efforts.

"They have worked so hard to achieve gold status.

"They've all pushed themselves and have spoken at assemblies to promote their work, which isn't always an easy thing to do.

"The whole school is now aware of both their own rights and those of others and as well as having a focus internally we ensure we keep learning and looking at issues nationally and globally."