THE Scottish Parliament is singing the praises of a band of inspirational Inverclyde youngsters for their award-winning success.

Suzie O'Donoghue and the students at Songbird Singing were put in the spotlight at Holyrood by Stuart McMillan MSP.

Mr McMillan congratulated Songbird for being the first private firm in Inverclyde to win a Rights of the Child award and for scooping an honour in the recent Inverclyde Inspiration awards.

Songbird students have been working hard over lockdown and came up with a collection of Songbird Promises - pledges which focus on children's rights.

With help from teacher Suzie, the young people looked at articles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and decided how they could tailor them for Songbird Singing.

The talented youngsters came up with a list of what they expect from each other and from the other children and adults in their lives.

The performers were also recognised in the Inverclyde Inspiration awards, organised by local charity champion Leah Canning.

Suzie says the group's success is all down to the dedication of the young people.

She added: "To be mentioned in the Scottish Parliament is just amazing.

"I was actually crying when I heard about it.

"Our Songbird students have worked so hard over lockdown and I am so incredibly proud of them all.

"They've all been determined to stay positive, to help as many people as possible, and to keep achieving.

"Working with such inspirational children and young people makes me the luckiest teacher in the world."

Songbird student Keava McMillan, 13, added: "Winning these awards is a very big thing for us all.

"When we were writing the promises, we had to think about what was important to us, like making sure everyone is okay and happy.

"Everyone has to be kind and we want to get everyone singing together out in our communities."