A CHAMPION weightlifter and former Inverclyde sports ambassador has won £8,000 from Morton's charitable arm - after falling in the ladies toilet at Cappielow.

Greenock pensioner George Byng, 81, took legal action against the club's community trust, after falling in the female loos at Cappielow while watching an event which helps local football fans get into shape.

The incident took place three years ago.

Mr Byng, who was 78 at the time, has been seeking compensation ever since.

It is not known why he entered the ladies toilet.

The case was due to go in front of a sheriff but was settled out of court a couple of weeks ago by Morton's insurance company.

Mr Byng, who lives in the west end, received an £8,000 payout.

The veteran powerlifter, who previously chaired Sport Inverclyde, refused to comment on the details of the incident but confirmed that the dispute has now been settled.

Mr Byng said: "The matter has been dealt with out of court and Greenock Morton have paid compensation to me and that's the end of the story."

The OAP is a multiple British and Scottish gold medal-winning powerlifter who competed at the 1970 Commonwealth Games and coached Team Scotland at the '78 games in Canada.

It is understood Mr Byng had applied to take part in the Ton trust's 'Football Fans in Training' programme - helping overweight supporters shed some pounds - but was declined because he did not meet the criteria.

He then attended Cappielow to observe one of the sessions and fell after entering the women's toilet.

The Ton trust is a registered charity and operates Morton in the Community, an award-winning organisation that runs free fitness, education and employability programmes for people of all ages across Inverclyde.

A spokesperson on behalf of Greenock Morton Community Trust said: "We can confirm that a 78-year-old male attended Cappielow.

"He was not part of any project but insisted on attending.

"He then decided to enter the main stand, unknown to all staff, and fell whilst entering the ladies toilet."