A TRIBUTE singer has told how jazz legend Frank Sinatra helped him beat the booze - and now he is in full swing on the streets of Greenock.

Jim Glacken has returned to his roots to sing Ol' Blue Eyes classics and give something back to his home town.

The 77-year-old spent years battling alcohol and ended up living in Dublin.

After 40 years he came back and now lives in Sir Gabriel's Mariners Home.

He says he felt the pull to come home because he wants to make his late dad, the accordion player Jimmy Glacken, proud.

As he spoke honestly about his life, Jim told the Tele how he credits Sinatra for saving it.

Jim said: "Alcohol ruined my life for 30 years.

"But Frank Sinatra's music spoke to me.

"It really saved me.

"One day I had epiphany - I thought I wasn't going to make it and I heard his music.

"I have faced a lifelong battle with alcohol and had all but given up.

"Now I haven't had a drink for years."

Since Jim returned to Inverclyde he has been singing on the streets and going to local care homes to entertain the elderly residents.

He said: "Now I am back in Greenock, I want to give something back.

"I want to pay tribute to my dad Jimmy Glacken, the accordion player.

"He was a fine musician and introduced me to jazz.

"I want to do him proud."

The Sinatra tribute singer can be found crooning the likes of New York, New York, My Way and Fly Me to the Moon on West Blackhall Street.

He stands outside the charity shops to raise money for local good causes.

Jim said: "My favourite Frank Sinatra myself is A Man Alone.

"I remember my dad used to take to clubs in Greenock when he was practising and I would hear jazz music.

"It has stayed with me.

"My dad was a great, great accordion player who is remembered locally."

Jim was recently at Larkfield View to sing for the residents.

He said: "It was wonderful.

"They looked after me so well."