THE world leader of the Salvation Army will visit Inverclyde this weekend.

General André Cox, pictured, who is the head of the 1.5 million-strong organisation, will stop-off in Greenock on Saturday morning before heading to Port Glasgow Town Hall where 600 people are expected to gather for a civic reception.

The leader and his wife, Commissioner Silvia Cox, will be back at the Port Salvation Army on Sunday for worship.

Major Raelton Gibbs, divisional commander in the west of Scotland division, said: “We are excited to welcome the general.

“The Salvation Army is committed to being at the heart of communities and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.

“It’s a great testament to the work of our officers, members, staff and volunteers that General Cox has chosen to visit our division.

“His presence and vision for 2017 will be an inspiration to everyone involved with the Salvation Army.”

General Cox is visiting Inverclyde on a whistle-stop tour of Salvation Army churches and social centres.

The organisation is celebrating its 138 years in Scotland, having established its first base of operations in Glasgow, in 1879.

It now runs 30 community churches and seven social centres across in the west coast.

General Cox and his wife will see first-hand the work being done by the organisation locally to help vulnerable people and will meet with officers, staff and volunteers.

His tour will begin in Glasgow on Saturday morning before spending the afternoon at the Regent Street citadel in Greenock, which includes a community church and a floating support service next door.

The general, who was touring America last week, will then lead a civic reception for 600 Salvationists, supporters and friends of the Salvation Army at Port Glasgow Town Hall at night.

There will be testimonies from people whose lives have been transformed by the organisation, as well as performances from its Ayr Community Gospel Choir and divisional youth band.

Such is the popularity of General Cox that demand for tickets has exceeded the town hall’s capacity.

He will remain in the Port on Sunday before attending an evening meal in Glasgow.

The Salvation Army’s community churches and social centres in the west of Scotland help vulnerable and disadvantaged people by running a range of initiatives, including drug and alcohol drop-ins, emergency food provisions, befriending services and children’s ministry.