HITTING the right note for Inverclyde"s education convener Councillor Jim Mitchell are local members of a prestigious schools orchestra.

Nine Inverclyde pupils, from Greenock Academy, Greenock High School and Gourock High School play in the West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra which is holding a concert in Greenock next month.

The musicians have been presented with the education department"s outstanding achievement badge by Provost Ciano Rebecchi.

Inverclyde has the third-highest number of members out of the 12 council areas represented.

Greenock Academy sixth-year student Caryl McCloy, back, third from right, is leader of the orchestra. She said: 'I have been in it for three years now and it is a really good experience.' Education director Bernard McLeary said: 'In the past, the number of children we had in the orchestra was quite low but there has been an improvement in the musical talent identified locally.' Other members are Fiona Clark, John Roy Garrod, Anne MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Alison McNeill, Elizabeth Todd, Stephen Armour and Amy McDougall.

• The orchestra plays at Greenock Town Hall on Saturday 14 June at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available at the door.