PROUD parents across Dumbarton and the Vale waved their wee ones off at the start of a new school year last week – and no parents were prouder than Stuart and Catherine McIlree.

The Luss couple’s twins, Sienna and Jayden, were born prematurely and both have cerebral palsy.

Catherine described the beginning of the new term as a “big milestone” for her “wee stars”.

The twins, who will turn five next week, joined up with their classmates in P1 at St Joseph’s Primary School in Helensburgh, and they couldn’t wait to get under way.

“They were very excited,” Catherine said.

“They went to nursery at St Joseph’s, so they know a lot of the staff.

“It was an emotional day with everything they’ve been through.

"It was good to see they’ve come this far after having a hard two years.

“They were in hospital for 12 weeks after they were born, as they were born at only 28 weeks.

“It’s been quite a journey. From where they’ve come to where they are now it’s amazing.

"They are wee stars.”

Sienna and Jayden’s older brother Aaron moved up to P7 at Luss Primary School when the new term began last week.

Despite being unable to join their sibling at the same school, mum Catherine is confident Jayden and Sienna will be expertly looked after at St Joseph’s.

She said: “I feel more settled knowing that they’ve been to the school before and know everyone.

“The school and the staff have been amazing, they have great support systems in place and great facilities, so that they don’t feel excluded from any activities.

“They are looking forward to just seeing their friends and playing, they’re also looking forward to getting homework and reading books.”