Jockey AP McCoy will be guest speaker at Greenock firm's dinner

It is the latest high profile event arranged for Action for Children Scotland by PG Paper, which is based at Greenock’s revamped Custom House and operates in 50 countries around the world. 

The company’s owners, Poonam and Puneet Gupta, have collected more than £250,000 for the charity by holding seven annual sports dinners featuring such big names as boxers Frank Bruno, Joe Calzaghe and Charlie Flynn, and snooker ace Steve Davis.

Now legendary ex-jockey McCoy will follow in their footsteps. 

A sports-related raffle and auction will be held on the night, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Action for Children Scotland is a national charity that supports vulnerable and neglected children throughout Scotland.

A spokesperson said: “We help thousands of them to transform their lives each year, and we’ve been doing so for 60 years.

“We work directly with 8,000 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland each year, and run 75 services across the country. We are very grateful to PG Paper for their support.”

PG Paper, established in 2003, employs 10 people in Inverclyde, and hopes to double that number within the next year. 

It also employs 12 staff in India and and five at various places around the world, acting as a ‘middle man’ for many companies by sourcing and supplying paper and other products, including plastic, metal and oil. 

Poonam and Puneet, who are also heavily involved with several other charities, say they are delighted to help Action for Children again. 

Poonam said: “So many people have supported us by turning out for this great cause. We know the amazing sums of money raised will be put to good use by Action for Children Scotland.”

The couple’s company has twice won Greenock Chamber of Commerce Bees Knees gongs, and this year Puneet was named Businessman of the Year at the annual Scottish Asian Business Awards. 

The dinner will be held on June 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.