Councillor Ciano Rebecchi is celebrating 30 years of service in Inverclyde

Ciano Rebecchi was joined by party members, family and friends at a reception held in Gourock Yacht Club to mark his three decades of public service.

The former Provost says it has been a 'privilege and a pleasure representing the people of Inverclyde'.

Ciano told the Tele: "I've seen many changes, not always for the best, but you must keep working for your area to make things better, and never forget where you come from."

Mr Rebecchi was first elected in May 1988 to the former Inverclyde District Council - representing the Branchton, Braeside and Pennyfern area in south west Greenock.

He was re-elected a further seven times over the years with a number of ward boundary changes.

Ciano was Provost between 2003 and 2007 and says it was the pinnacle of his career in public service.

He said: "That was a big highlight.

"You go in every day to do a job and then the next thing I knew I was Provost.

"You don't get a handbook, you make it up as you go along.

During this stint as civic leader Councillor Rebecchi took members of Inverclyde Juvenile Pipe Band out to New York for Tartan week.

He said: "Every day there was a bigger crowd in Grand Central Station listening to the kids."

Mr Rebecchi spoke of his enjoyment at helping local residents resolving issues over the years and helping people of all ages.

He also paid an emotional tribute to two former councillors – the late Jim Mitchell and the late Jimmy Boyd – who had helped him find his feet in his early days in the Municipal Buildings.

Mr Rebecchi added: "I love Inverclyde. I love staying here and I think the people are very supportive of good causes, event though some of them are skint.

"We collected more money in a few hours for Glasgow the Caring City than we did at Murrayfield.

"I think Inverclyde is a special place, we saw that at the Telegraph's community awards ceremony last week.

"I will continue if fit and able to fulfil my role as a councillor and help charities, that's what it's all about.

"We're here to try to make life better for each other. Let's work together to make Inverclyde the number one place in Scotland."

Former Argyll MP Alan Reid, vice-convenor of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, presented Mr Rebecchi with a celebratory quaich and certificate of appreciation.

Mr Reid said: "In this day and age for one person to be elected at eight consecutive elections is a massive achievement and a tribute to Ciano’s commitment and hard work on behalf of local people.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats - locally and nationally - are delighted to mark this significant achievement.

“Ciano’s wife Diane and family also deserve mention.

"The life of a local councillor can be a demanding one – evening meetings, non-stop phone calls and doorstep campaigning. Ciano relies on his family.”

The celebration also presented long service certificates to various members for a lifetime of service as councillors, campaigners and local office bearers.

They were: Former councillor Alan Blair, local office bearer Jennifer Boag, former councillor and election agent Kenny Shepherd, former cabinet minister, MSP and councillor Ross Finnie, party volunteer Ellen Hill and former councillors Tom Fife and Maxie Hill.