THE Tall Ships event is expected to bring more than £8 million to the Inverclyde economy - providing a boost for shops and businesses.

The race, which will visit Inverclyde for four days from this Saturday, provided a huge cash injection to the local economy when it last came to Greenock in 1999.

Elaine Stewart, president of Greenock Chamber of Commerce, said she was hoping the money generated by the race would surpass the £8 million-plus new expenditure generated in the area when the event was last here.

She said: "We are expecting a huge influx of visitors and hopefully we can build on the £8 million generated in 1999.

"So I warmly welcome the return of the Tall Ships to our shores this weekend.

"With tourism an increasing focus for the Inverclyde business community, as we seek economic recovery and growth, this event will turn the spotlight on our region for four days and attract visitors in significant numbers from all over.

"We believe it will undoubtedly generate tangible economic benefits for our region." Elaine, left, said she hoped people coming to the area for the first time would be surprised by what the area had to offer - and then make plans for a return visit to the district.

She added: "For many of us who choose to do business here in Inverclyde, we are very proud of our region, its heritage, its exciting development and its future, so it is terrific to see Inverclyde being 'the place to be' this weekend.

"As well as taking in all the wonderful sights of the ships and enjoying the great line-up of on-shore events, we hope visitors take the opportunity to explore our wonderful surroundings and add us to their travel itinerary for return visits in the future.

"We know just how hard the Tall Ships team have worked to bring what is a prestigious international event and major tourism initiative back to this host port and to plan and build an attractive events programme with wide appeal." Elaine added: "We wish the team and all their volunteers every success, as we get set for a bumper four days welcoming the ships, the locals and visitors to Tall Ships Races Greenock 2011."