Port Glasgow charity champ Helen Coyle and ladies win award

Helen Coyle celebrates win with friend Lynn Glancy, organiser Leah Canning, left and host Marion Laird (Image: contributed)

Helen Coyle and the Tuesday Belles took home the top honour at the event in the Cruden Hall -  run by fellow fundraiser Leah Canning.

Their incredible journey through the years with an annual ladies day in support of the likes of Branching Out Parklea, the Port Glasgow Otters and Muirshiel Centre impressed the judging panel.

Helen and the Tuesday Belles won the Canning Memorial Award, set up in honour of both Leah's great gran Margaret and her nan Leah.

And the audience erupted in applause and cheers at the announcement.

Health support worker Helen, from North Road, said: "We couldn't believe we won. It was just an amazing night.

"We don't do this for recognition so it was lovely to win this award. I run the group and I come up with the ideas and everyone just goes along with it!

"We have been doing this for 19 years. We have charities that we support time and time again.

"It is a great wee social night every Tuesday and then we have our ladies day.

"I would just like to thank Inverclyde Inspirational awards for even considering myself and the Tuesday Belles. I was truly touched when I found out my close friend Lynn Glancy had nominated me.

"I am completely taken aback that we won. The charity was never about receiving praise. It is just about helping other people whenever and where we can."

The ladies social group - with about 22 members meeting every week - was first started in the Unity Club in Southfield Avenue, by the late Jack English.

Helen, 61, said: "Jack said to me one night, do you want to run the ladies group for me, just for a couple of weeks, and 19 years later I'm still here!"

When the Unity Club closed down six years ago they found a new home at the Hibs Club and started where they left off.

Helen said: "They have been brilliant and so welcoming to us. "

Charity fundraiser Helen, who has worked with her Lynn Glancy in the Larkfield Unit for the last 30 years, says they will continue to support local charities.

At their most recent ladies day in July they raised £6,240 for 13 charities including Mind Mosaic, Jericho House, the Muirshiel Centre.

Inverclyde Inspirational Awards is sponsored by the Esplanade Cafe owner Marco Medinelli.

This year's event was hosted by lifecoach and inspirational speaker Marion Laird, who was also a judge along with Councillor Lynne Quinn and local businessman Andrew Bowen.

Organiser Leah said: "The reaction when Helen and the Tuesday Belles won was just brilliant. They are an incredible group and we were so moved by their fundraising."