NEW Yorkers are giving a warm reception to a Mercedes with ‘Greenock’ on its licence plate.

The car is owned by a proud former son of the town who emigrated to America in 1951 with his family, and lives in mid-Manhattan opposite Central Park.

Lawyer Bill Maitland, 67, became a top prosecutor before moving into finance, and has never forgotten his Greenock roots.

His mum, 92-year-old Nan Twaddle, lives in the same apartment block, and still has a flat in Greenock which she visits at least once a year.

Bill explained that he had seen vehicles with ‘New York’ on their licence plate, so he asked for permission to put ‘Greenock’ on his new car. He says he gets a great reaction as he drives around the Big Apple.

He said: “The plates have brought about waves from other drivers, and I also get thumbs-up from people who recognise the name of the town.

“In America the licence plates don’t transfer with the sale of the car, so they are in the family to stay.”

Bill and his mum are close friends of former Provost Ciano Rebecchi, who chats to them regularly.

He said: “Bill and Nan have never lost their passion for Scotland, and particularly for Greenock. They never lose an opportunity to tell people about their home town.

“If anyone from here goes to New York and sees the car, Bill and Nan would be delighted if they go up to speak to them.

“They read the Tele every day online, so that they can keep up to date with what’s happening in Inverclyde.”

Bill is a former president of New York’s St Andrew’s Society, and is closely involved with the Tartan Week Organisation.

He featured in a Tele report about the city being battered by ‘superstorm’ Sandy in October 2012, when large power transformers exploded near to their home.