An Edinburgh parishioner has been recognised with a special papal award for dedication to her parish.

Margaret Creamer received the benemerenti medal from Archbishop Leo Cushley at Ss Ninian and Triduana Church recently. Her husband John received the award in 2006.

Speaking to the Scottish Catholic Observer, Des Brogan, a parish council member, said: "Margaret and her husband John have been great supporters of the parish for over 50 years now. Margaret was the real power behind the throne. She was involved in every guild and working behind every social we had in the parish and played a big part in the running of the church for many, many years.

"We thought this would be a good time to say thank-you for all the hard work she has done. We got in touch with the Archbishop and he was happy to raise this with Rome. It coincided with her birthday so all her family were here and she thought that's why they were with her at Mass.

"The real reason was that the Archbishop was here to present her medal. "