TAKE a step back in time to this day in 2004 - when two schools were on a 'hit list', and club bosses came up with a 'smashing idea'.

Making the front page on this day 14 years ago was the story about plans to merge Greenock Academy and Gourock High.

The Tele reported how pupils who attended both secondaries would be transferred to a new building on the site of St Columba's, Bayhill.

The radical plans were unveiled as part of proposals which could see children having to travel much farther to reach their classrooms.

Meanwhile, glass bottles and tumblers were barred from a Greenock nightspot.

Bosses at Club Viva in Dalrymple Street hoped the move would make the venue safer for customers.

Chris Paton, who was the promoter, said at the time: "I've been working in the club scene for five years now and see this as a bit of a revolution.

"Some of the big Glasgow clubs have gone completely plastic, such as Trash and Mas.

"There is the immediately obvious benefit of a safer club in terms of bottle attacks which is most significant to me personally as a promoter, but it also means there are no broken bottles lying round the dance floor."

In sporting news, Morton strengthened their backline for the next season with the signing of former Clyde and St Johnstone defender Stuart McCluskey.

The defender, who was 26 at the time, signed a two year deal and told the Tele he was relishing the challenge of helping the Cappielow side reach Division One by the end of the next term.

He said: "When I look at the footy results, I always look at Morton and think they should be in the First Division no problem.

"They get massive crowds and have massive potential.

"I hope I can help them achieve that.

"The manager knows what I can do and it's up to me to show everyone else."

Also making the headlines was deaf schoolboy David McDougall who was preparing for a summer trip of a lifetime.

The Gourock High School pupil was heading to New Zealand for an adventure holiday with the Jolt Trust charity.

David was awarded a place on the trip after being put forward by Kay Tulloch, head teacher at Garvel School for the Deaf in Greenock.

He said: "I've only ever been abroad to France before so it's amazing that I'm going to the other side of the world."

Finally, parents were helping to boost youngster's learning power at a Greenock nursery.

Parents at Enterprise Childcare's pre three nursery at Greenock Sports Centre were playing an active role by telling nursery staff what they need for their children.

Young mum Theresa Docherty, whose son Brendan attends the nursery, said: "I asked for more help with Brendan's speech - it's really improved - and interacting with other kids.

"He really looks forward to coming here and gets on well with the staff."