PROMINENT Inverclyde locations were ‘yarn stormed’ as a way of drawing attention to mental health issues.

Brightly coloured crocheted and knitted decorations made from yarn were placed on trees to celebrate this year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.

‘Yarn storming’ was started in Texas by knitters looking for creative ways to use their unfinished projects.

Now the practice has been adopted around the globe as a way of highlighting how important knitting and crocheting is to help relieve stress.

Launched in 2007, the festival has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the world, with over 300 events and 25,000 attending them across Scotland each October.

Inverclyde’s programme saw events at the Beacon, Dutch Gable House and Parklea Branching Out project in Port Glasgow.

Local yarn storming locations included Coronation Park, Clyde Square, the Esplanade and Gourock pierhead.

Health & social care convener, Councillor Robert Moran, said: “Crafters have been involved in making bright and colourful flowers to brighten and warm-up some of the local trees.

“It is important to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by getting local people talking.”

Contributors who took part in the crafting have praised the idea.

One participant said knitting and crocheting keeps her mind, hands and fingers active.

She said: “I go to a craft group where I have company, conversations and fun, which reduces social isolation and stress while learning and developing new skills.

“There are always people who are talented and are more than happy to share their knowledge.”