MORTON have teamed up with Inverclyde’s firefighters to help keep families safe this festive season.

Club pro-youth coach and fireman Sandy MacLean pulled off a big win when he brought his team-mates at Scottish Fire Rescue and Cappielow together for the campaign.

Now they hope to secure victory by encouraging as many as householders to sign up for free home fire safety visits.

Manager Jim Duffy and his players took time out of training for their Scottish Cup clash today to help the firefighters drive home the fire safety message.

The Morton boss said: “It is really important that as a community club we help out where we can.

“I’m delighted to join Sandy and the firefighters in this campaign.

“We need to get the message across that people should get a home visit and make sure they are safe.

“We are delighted to be involved in this and to do what we can.”

In recent years Ton have built up a strong community set-up from early years exercise right through to employability and eco-friendly work.

Youth academy coach Sandy, who is also a watch commander in Argyll and Bute, is keen to tap into the potential for both sides. He was joined by Greenock station manager John Divers to launch the safety campaign at Parklea.

Sandy explained: “We want to reach out to as many people as possible and getting involved with Morton is a great way to do this.

“I am very grateful to Jim and the players for their support.

“We want to stress that the fire service is there to prevent fires – we want as many people as possible to get a home fire safety visit.”

As well as backing the cause, the club are also offering those signing up for the fire safety visits the chance to win a family ticket to a Morton match.

The local fire service are also going along to Clydeview Academy next Saturday to give youngsters from the Morton Community Trust the chance to have a go on the fire engines.

To book a home fire safety visit contact Greenock Fire Station on 722222 or Port Glasgow Fire Station on 741222.