AN award to “commemorate the life and values” of the late SNP minister Christina McKelvie has been launched by family and friends.

Serving in Holyrood from 2007, the Glasgow-born politician went on to serve as equalities minister before dying last year of secondary breast cancer.

The Christina McKelvie Equality in Action Award has been set up by the Christina McKelvie Celebration Committee, a volunteer group of the late MSP’s family and friends “who are committed to continuing her legacy.”

The award aims to “celebrate outstanding contributions to advancing equality, activism, leadership and community cohesion that have challenged discrimination and improved the lives of individuals and communities.”

Jack McKelvie, one of Ms McKelvie’s sons, said: “This award is a tribute to my mum’s fierce commitment to equality and the powerful legacy she leaves behind.

“So many people have shared stories of the support and encouragement she gave them, and I’m proud that this award will be able to do the same.”

Kerry Craig, of the cancer charity Maggie’s, said: “I can’t think of a more fitting way to remember Christina than through an award scheme for equality in action.”