Community leaders have praised the strength of the town in helping others in need.

Helensburgh Community Council (HCC), in their year-end message, said the willingness to volunteer was making a difference to so many groups and individuals.

They praised the Community Hub and others for the work they do throughout the year, and urged residents to continue the volunteer spirit in 2023.

HCC said: “The strength of this town lies in the willingness of the community to volunteer their time and energy in sustaining the many sports, recreational and artistic activities that give the town a sense of pride and motivation.

“The scale of volunteer potential ranges across the environment aspects of our numerous tree and woodlands groups to the societal support of the vulnerable and needy among us.

“The Community Hub is now well established and is living up to its name as the hub for many activities, notably the library function it has established. The expectation of improved support to Hermitage Park with the re-establishment of the Friends of the Park is also hopeful.”

They continued: “Then there is the unheralded work over a number of years done by local support organisations such as the food bank who also rely on volunteers. HCC also benefits from volunteer support in the routine work of beach cleaning and the maintenance of the shrub beds in Colquhoun Square.

“We will be running a ‘show and tell’ event in conjunction with the Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary Club, with the kind permission of the head teacher of Hermitage Academy, in March 2023.

“This will allow all the volunteer organisations in the town to present their particular interest to the community to encourage participation and also for individuals in the community to become part of something that is of specific interest.

“At this time of year when we look ahead to the future and hope for better times, perhaps we can add to our traditional salutation of seasons’ greetings, that of the volunteer spirit, ‘Can I Help?’”