INVERCLYDE sizzled as its soaring temperature topped Tenerife's yesterday.

As the schools knocked off everyone was out to enjoy the glorious sunshine and the mercury hit 29 degrees at one stage.

Swimmers flocked to Gourock Outdoor Pool to cool down while sunbathers soaked up some rays at Lunderston Bay.

There were queues to take the plunge at Gourock and the pool reached its 250 capacity by 11.30am.

Greenock student Erin Moran, 23, enjoying a ice cream with her boyfriend Conor Wilson, said: "It's brilliant, we're off university just now and enjoying the weather.

"The pool is amazing, there was a queue to get in but it's nice to see a lot of people here."

Maggie Phillips and Lisa Reilly made a special trip from Glasgow with their families.

Maggie, from Springboig, said: "The pool is amazing. We've never been before. It's hard to believe we have something like this on our doorstep."

Another Glasgow mum Jay Jaconelli brought her son three-year-old son Jayk.

She said: "I was going to go to Heads of Ayr but I'm glad I came here and it's cheap for a family day out as well."

David McCorkindale of operators Inverclyde Leisure said: "The high temperatures are unusual for Inverclyde and this has been a record June at the pool for a long period of time, certainly when compared with last June which was a washout.

"It's great for us and it puts Inverclyde on the map and showcases the facility.

"We've had a great few weeks."

Families also flocked Lunderston Bay for a picnic and paddle.

Rachael McGonigle, 32, and Nadine Burrows, 31, from the east end of Greenock, took their kids down for the day.

Nadine's daughter Amy Orr, 10, said: "It's like being on holiday. I like the beach and collecting shells."

Greenock boys Jordan Miller, Scott and Sean McFarlane and Kieran McFadyen dusted down the barbecue to cook up some burgers.

Jordan said: "To be honest it's a bit too hot for me, I'm melting!"

The heatwave has also been good for business.

Massimo Medinelli, co-owner of the Esplanade Cafe, said: "We've sold thousands of ice creams over the last couple of day since the sun has really hit.

"Vanilla is the most popular and puff candy, tablet and tutti frutti.

"It's been non-stop, constant, we've had people queuing from 8am in the morning until 10pm at night."

Drew McKenzie, owner of Robert Alexander Butchers in Port Glasgow, says his shop has been very busy.

He said: "We're selling a lot of barbecue products, marinated chicken, steaks and kebabs.

"We've had three or four great weekends in row."

His apprentice butcher Jack Docherty added: "It's been pretty crazy, we've been selling burgers and kebabs and our sirloin marinated in black garlic is very popular.

"Over the last few days we must have sold 500 burgers and between 200-300 kebabs.

"It's fabulous for business, we love it."