This week, we take a look back at the big North Ayrshire stories and photos from early summer 2009.

And there were galas galore, end of school term events and a meeting with Prince Charles making the Herald's headlines at the time.

Who do you recognise in these pics?

(Image: Newsquest)

The little ones at West Kilbride Nursery School celebrated their 2009 graduation and enjoyed a special party which the teachers put on for them all.

(Image: Newsquest)

Ardrossan’s Whitlees Gala returned in July 2009 with a fabulous parade before the crowning of Queen Lauren Weir.

(Image: Newsquest)

A promising young piper from Saltcoats got to shake hands with Prince Charles. Ciaran Sinclair was one of three of the pipers selected to play inside the National Piping Centre’s 10th anniversary celebrations and was then invited to meet the future King.

(Image: Newsquest)

Young people involved in the Three Towns Duke of Edinburgh scheme were celebrating at the 2009 Ardrossan Highland Games after they scooped the ‘best stall’ award for their sponge throwing attraction.

(Image: Newsquest)

Meet the winners of the West Kilbride Junior Open Pairs bowling competition, Kevin Donnachie and Steven McNight, pictured with runners up Mark Coyle and Sarah Kennedy.

(Image: Newsquest)

Children from Moorpark Primary School in Kilbirnie were treated to a skateboarding and rollerblading demonstration by the team from the Evolution Skatepark in Stevenston in summer 2009.