A LIFELINE support group for people battling alcoholism has become a charity.

The Greenock Recovery Alcohol Support Project, also known as GRASP, has been awarded Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Tommy Docherty, who is the chairman of the group, said this will make a huge difference to the support they offer people throughout Inverclyde.

He said: “This is another step in GRASP becoming a recognised and long term force in the community, allowing us to attract longer term funding and benefits that come with being a recognised charity.

“The group would like to thank everyone involved and look forward to their continued support.”

Members of the group say they are grateful to Alan Deans, the Community Learning and Development Worker from Inverclyde Council and Bill Stewart from CVS Inverclyde, who supported their application to become a charity.

GRASP meets every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4pm and also on a Tuesday evening from 6-9pm at the Crown Care Centre in King Street.

For more information, contact Robert Whaley on 07766692045.