SIZZLING Inverclyde basked in Mediterranean-style weather yesterday — and thousands took full advantage of the magnificent sunshine.

As the temperature reached a sweltering 25 degrees, hundreds of families cooled off by dipping their toes in the Clyde at Lunderston Bay.

Michael Corrigan, a countryside ranger at the beauty spot, said it was the busiest he’s seen the beach in years as cars parked up along Cloch Road.

He told the Tele: “It’s great to see it like this.”

Ice cream seller John Harkins, who runs Bay Ices, was rushed off his feet.

He added: “This business is either a feast or a famine and today is a feast.”

Down at the waterfront, kids enjoyed making a splash including siblings Noah, Molly and Lexi Hunter and their friend Amy O’Donnell.

Meanwhile, day trippers Charlie and Ena Wilson from Glasgow created their own tropical paradise on Gourock’s waterfront.

Charles, 74, said: “We love coming to Gourock — it’s our favourite spot.

“We brought our own picnic with soup, tea and cakes.”

Ena added: “I love watching the yachts go by.”

Siblings Owen Slater, three, and Kaya McMaster, 11, from Westmorland Road got tucked into some tasty ice-cream.

Their mum Isabell Slater said: “I had them out at the Battery Park and we stopped off at the Bluebird Cafe for some ice cream on the way back.”

Sunseekers also made their way to the Esplanade to soak up the rays.

Parents Linda Lee, 24, and Ian Gilmartin, 27, from Fancy Farm, took their daughter Abigail Gilmartin out for a walk.

Linda said: “I love it when the weather is like this as everybody just talks to each other.”

Passengers on board the two cruise ships docked at the Ocean Terminal, the Columbus and the Adonia, could also be seen sunbathing on deck.