AROUND 30,000 people are expected to descend on the Esplanade in Greenock this weekend for a speedboat spectacular.

The stage is set for a global powerboat extravaganza as Inverclyde takes centre stage today and tomorrow for the eagerly-anticipated P1 SuperStock UK Championship.

The area will host the first ever Scottish Grand Prix of the sea, with crowds expected to pack the promenade to watch the action as millions tune in on TV around the world.

There are also many stalls and attractions lining the waterfront for the big event, which is completely free to attend.

The racing action gets underway from 10am today and runs throughout the day before getting back under way at 10.30am tomorrow.

Among the teams competing for glory is a local one made up of dynamic duo Dino Zavaroni and friend Gordon Wicklow in the £65,000 vessel Spirit of Inverclyde.

Visitors are urged to plan their journeys to and from the Esplanade and use public transport, with many roads closed and huge numbers of people expected to attend the event.