Provost William Hendrie hosted a civic reception at Clydebank Town Hall on Saturday in honour of the Clydebank Corps of the Salvation Army and the International Staff Songsters.

The Clydebank Corps of the Salvation Army was founded in 1893 when it ceded from the Whiteinch branch and the Songsters are the premier choir of the Salvation Army worldwide.

In 1993, they celebrated their 100th anniversary with a civic reception at the old Clydebank Town Hall. and in November 2018 they will mark another huge milestone when they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

Provost Hendrie said: “I know how much of a thrill it was for our local Salvation Army group to welcome the Songsters to the town and I was just as delighted to be able to also welcome them on behalf of the Council and the residents of West Dunbartonshire.

“The International Staff Songsters regularly perform in front of huge audiences, including on television and at grand venues across the UK and around the world, where they spread the word of the Salvation Army and their incredible work. It was very special to have them all to ourselves in Clydebank for one night only.

“The Clydebank Corps of the Salvation Army has been a strong presence in the town for near enough 125 years and I would like to pay tribute to all of their members, past and present, for being such a strong part of the fabric of Clydebank.

“Here’s hoping that, after next year’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the Clydebank Salvation Army has many, many more years to look forward to.”