TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a much loved Inverkip campaigner who has left the lasting legacy of the village hub.

Former community councillor Cliff Lyon fought tirelessly over the years for the village he came to call home.

The retired Granada Studios manager was instrumental in turning the dream of the Inverkip Community Hub into a reality.

Originally from the north east of England, keen yachtsman Cliff sailed in to Inverkip nearly 30 years ago, fell in love with the village and never left.

Sadly he passed away aged 82 in Inverclyde Royal Hospital after a short illness, with his funeral being held today.

Cliff's friends remembered a warm and kind man who everyone turned to for help.

Andy Lynch, one of his closest pals, said: "Without a doubt there would be no Inverkip Community Hub without Cliff.

"He was the driving force behind it and had so many ideas.

"He did so much for Inverkip.

"We set up the Inverkip Community Enterprise which fought for a community facility in the old pavillion and then the hub.

"Cliff was the warmest and kindest man you could ever meet.

"He had time for everyone and would do anything to help.

"I first got to know him when he took me out on his yacht, his hospitality was incredible.

"He has spent many a Christmas with my family.

"Cliff will be remembered as a man who always put others first - he would help no matter how big or small it was."

Skilled sailor Cliff was born in Sunderland, where he still had connections, and worked with the country's top television studios before retiring to Inverkip.

He made friends and settled in Marine Court.

Former court clerk Andy, who also sits on the Inverkip Hub board of trustees, added: "It wasn't just his time he gave to the hub, he invested in it financially."

During a trip back to Sunderland Cliff suffered a fall and never recovered, passing away in Inverclyde Royal on June 4.

Inverkip Community Hub chairwoman Sarah Jane Gregson today expressed sadness at Cliff's passing.

She said: "It was his love for Inverkip that made him contribute so much to the community over the years.

"He often gifted the primary school money for computers, and we were lucky enough to be gifted ourselves with a great sound system and retractable seating that makes our community centre second to none.

"Cliff had a big heart and wasn’t afraid to give and try and make the world a better place.

"You don’t often meet people like that.

"Cliff was special.

"He had a great life and worked hard to get where he wanted to be which allowed him then to give back, and give back he did.

"We will be forever grateful to the generosity, time and kindness Cliff gifted us and have already named the main hall after him. Cliff will not be forgotten here at the Hub or within Inverkip Community Initiative and we will do all that we can to celebrate and continue his legacy on."

Today's funeral will take place at Greenock Crematorium at 11am.