THE area’s civic leader has gone from provost to party planner after organising a charity music night which raised a fabulous £400 for a worthy cause.

Provost Robert Moran presented a cheque for £428 to staff and volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support in recognition of the charity’s hard work supporting people and their families dealing with the disease in Inverclyde.

The cash was raised from a recent tribute music night in the Greenock Celtic Supporters’ Club featuring band Plod and Rockers, which is a musical duo of serving police officers.

Provost Moran said: “The night went really well.

“The band were absolutely fantastic and sang anything from Lady Gaga to Neil Diamond, Abba to Paul Weller — you name it, they did it.

“They came all the way from Glasgow and played for free.

“My son works in Sanmina in Port Glasgow and most of the people on the night were from there.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all of them.” Macmillan was one of two charities to benefit from the fundraiser because of their wonderful work supporting locals dealing with cancer.

Mr Moran said: “When someone has cancer it’s their family who are affected as well and Macmillan supports the whole family, so I wanted to try and raise some money for them.” The early Christmas present is a timely boost for Macmillan.

Ryan Taylor, their fundraising manager for Inverclyde, said: “Macmillan cannot thank Provost Robert Moran for raising a fantastic sum which will be used to help people who are affected by cancer in Inverclyde.” Jacqueline Coyle, Macmillan and Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership welfare rights officer, added: “All the best for 2014.” Pictured is volunteer Barbara Sandison, from the Inverclyde Macmillan Fundraising Group, Provost Moran, Jacqueline Coyle, Ryan Taylor and Jackie McLaren, personal assistant to Inverclyde Council’s chief executive, who helped with the event.