ROTARY clubs in West Dunbartonshire are looking to recruit more women to make a difference in their communities.

Rotary International is the world's oldest humanitarian service organisation and one of the best known.

Its motto is 'Service Above Self' and members - men and women from all walks of life - work to help others.

But women were not allowed membership in Rotary Clubs until 1989 and it is estimated just 22% of Rotarians are female.

Angela Samson recently completed a one-year term as District Governor for Rotary in the west of Scotland.

She has joined forces with Sheenah Nelson, coordinator of the Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary Club’s Heartstart project, to encourage more women to get involved.

Angela believes that women are essential to help Rotary promote its membership policies relating to inclusion and diversity.

She said: "Women have compassion, empathy and understanding of the importance of inclusion and diversity in communities.

"I firmly believe that if organisations can attract more female members, I think the issues of promoting diversity and inclusivity would be more easily solved.

"Times are changing and Rotary believes that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that make them unique, and it is striving to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

"Rotary needs to welcome diversity in our membership so that our membership profile reflects the diversity of our communities."

She added: "If you are interested in volunteering and you like getting involved in more than one project, Rotary is the perfect place and can give you the opportunity and platform to volunteer in your local community.

"Rotarians are really nice and kind people. Rotary offers an opportunity to make lasting friendships and connections with like-minded people who want to do good. But there has got to be a lot of fun along the way. And believe me, there is."

There are nearly 200 Rotary clubs in Scotland, working to help their local communities and those in the wider world.

To find out more about the work of Clydebank, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Rotary clubs, and for information on joining, visit www.rotary.scot