A SUPPORT group for dyslexic children which was only founded two years ago has won a major award from a global education organisation.

Dyslexia Inverclyde has received the advocacy group of the year award from Nessy, which has helped millions of children in almost 200 countries to be able to read and spell since it was established in 1999.

Michelle Wilson, who founded the local group, says everyone involved in it is delighted to be recognised in this way.

She said: "I am really chuffed by this.

"It's nice to get a wee bit of recognition for all the hard work that the group has done, especially from an organisation that operates in more than 180 countries around the world."

Bosses at Nessy say they rate DI as the best organisation of its kind in the country.

Tiffany James, chief executive, said: "We believe Dyslexia Inverclyde is the strongest voice for dyslexia advocacy led by parents, who are following evidenced based good practice, in Scotland."

Group member Julie Hannah whose son Noah, 11, is dyslexic, said: "It makes you proud of what we have achieved.

"We worked with Nessy for the first year and received lots of training.

"They are working towards having a specialist in every school."

The group have also been working closely with Inverclyde Council education officials to raise awareness and ensure local schools are all approaching and dealing with dyslexia in the same way.

Kirsty Gill, whose 11-year-old son Craig is dyslexic, said: "This is a great achievement for the group as Nessy is recognised worldwide."

Councillor Drew McKenzie has supported DI since it was launched.

He said: "This group is excellent and has transformed the way dyslexia is thought about in Inverclyde.

"Credit must also go to the council and education authorities.

"There is still a way to go, but teachers have been made more aware and the group have made massive progress.

"I am very proud of what they have achieved up until now."