TELE photographer George Munro has been voted Inverclyde’s top role model – and hailed for helping young people feel good about where they live.

The  27th Greenock Girl Guides put George at the top of their list and even used him as inspiration for a ‘superhero’ paper model of the Tele front page which won first prize at a local craft show. 

It followed a lively debate at the Guides on role models, with George managing to edge out Kim Kardashian for top spot.

Popular Tele photographer George’s commitment to our readers and his community shone through during the chat.

Guide leader Ashley McColl, who runs the 27th with her mum Sandra, said: “We were having a chat about role models and all the girls agreed that George was their top role model, although Kim Kardashian was popular with some as well!

“Their comments were great.

“They said George made them feel good about where they lived, made Inverclyde look good and highlighted all the great things about the area.

“They said that he is always there to take pictures and helps them whenever he can.”

Ashley has known George almost all her life and has welcomed his support for the Girl Guides and other organisations.

She said: “I have known George since I was at school. He’s just an absolute hero for us.”

The Girl Guides were represented in force at the recent Port Glasgow Spring Bulb Show, with Abigail Pollock, 11, pictured with the Tele front page model.

Their praise is the latest accolade for George, who last year travelled to America to collect an ‘unsung hero’  award from Tele parent company Gannett for his oustanding service.

The leaders of the 27th Greenock Guides themselves have been recognised for their efforts in running a hugely successful youth group.

It is a real family affair, with Ashley helping her mum Sandra McColl, the Guide leader, and her assistant, aunt Rosemary Gillen, to run the group which usually meets in Lady Alice Primary.

Now the leaders are getting ready to take the girls on a big trip to London.

Ashley added: “We organise lots of fundraising so that we can subsidise the trip and every three years we try to go to Disney Paris as well.

“It is a great opportunity for the girls to enjoy.”