THE historic Greenock Art Club looked a picture as it was officially re-opened three years after the building was ravaged by fire.

A special exhibition was held to celebrate the return of the 141-year-old organisation to its Gourock Park 'home'.

Members had been in temporary accommodation since a serious fire destroyed the interior of the building, including more than 30 pieces of work, back in July 2015.

The keen artists were finally allowed back in following an extensive refurbishment of the premises by owners Inverclyde Council.

Retired Greenock optician and TV painter, Jimmy MacKellar, was the star guest at the reopening and gave a talk about his appearance last year on BBC One TV show, 'Big Painting Challenge'.

Club president Grace Donnelly said: "I was actually away on holiday, which I'd booked before we even knew when we were getting back into the club.

"But the rest of the committee who were there said the opening was great and that Jimmy MacKellar was wonderful, we'd have him any time.

"He told everyone about his experience of being on television last year.

"It was a good day and everybody enjoyed."

Committee member George Canata presented Jimmy with a gift as a 'thank-you' for attending the event.

Greenock Art Club was founded in 1877 and the new-look Stables Studio, just off Broomberry Drive, reopened on April 16.

President Grace, who lives in the west end of Greenock, said: "We're loving being back, it's brilliant.

"One of the club members has created some storage space and everyone has been working away at it and enjoying being there.

"It looks excellent."

For more information about the club, email greenockartclub@gmail.com or call 633297.