PAPAL awards have been presented to two men from Oakley "as recognition of their selfless service" to Holy Name Church.

Bill Merrick and Tommy McGowan each received the Benemerenti Medal from Archbishop Leo Cushley on Sunday October 16.

The honour is awarded by the Pope for outstanding service to the Catholic Church.

A parish spokesperson said: “Both recipients richly deserve their Benemerenti Medals for outstanding service to Holy Name in Oakley. Both their families enjoyed a congratulatory cake and celebrations after the Mass!”

Tommy has served tirelessly in Holy Name for more than 50 years. Now 84, he is still an active member and works as head passkeeper. Throughout his life he has been a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP), a groundsman and a handyman and was fundamental to the care and maintenance of the chapel hall and the new church and grounds, which were opened in 1958.

Bill was a member and president of the parish council and arranged fundraisers, social events, pilgrimages to Carfin Grotto. He also organised the attendance of Holy Name at Pope John Paul II's visit to Scotland in 1982.

A member of the Legion of Mary and, for a time, the SSVP, he was responsible for the introduction of the Divine Mercy prayers at the church and was the first safeguarding coordinator in Holy Name.

In later years Bill took on the mantle of Sacristan and altar server until his recent retiral.