Some of Inverclyde's most vulnerable children will get a much-needed holiday this summer thanks to a local charity

Youngsters with additional support needs and their families will benefit from a new fund to send them on short breaks.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde has stepped in with a £7,000 award for Craigmarloch School pupils after winning funding from a national grant scheme.

Head teacher George Walker paid tribute to the charity for giving 45 youngsters and their families a holiday that will create magical memories.

He said: "We have a fantastic partnership with Children in Poverty.

"It is very difficult sometimes for our families to get holidays and this is a brilliant opportunity.

"We can't thank Pat Burke and his organisation enough for all their work."

Almost 50 youngsters and their families will be off to Hunters Quay during the school break.

Children in Poverty founder Pat said: "Craigmarloch is a wonderful school with a great community.

"We are proud to support the school."

The Craigmarloch families will enjoy five day breaks, with the cost of transport and food included along with entertainment passes for the holiday park.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde, which also runs a hugely successful Christmas Toy appeal, received the funding from the Scottish Government after support from MSP Stuart McMillan and local entrepreneur Mariessa Devlin.

The MSP was at Craigmarloch with Mr Burke to present the cheque to the school.

He said: "I am hugely supportive of Pat's charity and I have seen for myself the difference it makes.

"I offered to do whatever I could to help and I don't think there is a more deserving place than Craigmarloch.

"It is a wonderful school."