GREENOCK Rotary raised hundreds of pounds for a good cause at their annual coffee morning in Westburn Church Hall.

The ever-generous Rotarians organised this year’s event in aid of Diabetes UK (Scotland) after hearing a talk on the subject.

Rotary spokesman Bob Burns explained how it came about.

He said: “Sara Ling, from Diabetes UK (Scotland) visited the club to talk about diabetes, and in particular ‘type two diabetes’, in Scotland.

“She described how almost a quarter of a million people in Scotland now have diabetes and the number of people with the disease continues to increase by about 10,000 a year.

“The majority have type two diabetes, a form of the disease which can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and which is also more common among older people.” Bob said Sara highlighted how diabetes is a long-term health condition, where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. If left untreated, it can cause many different health problems.

More than a hundred people attended the coffee morning, which featured home baking provided by members and friends, who also donated books for sale, above right.

People were invited to take away free literature on diabetes — along with a tape to measure their waist.

Bob said: “Two pupils from Clydeview Academy, Scott Nicol and Joanna Crossan, entertained everyone with a variety of songs, accompanied on the piano keyboard by Gareth Bowman, the principal teacher of music at the school. Their singing wowed all those present and highlighted what huge talent there is in the young people of Inverclyde.

“While people listened to the sweet tones of Scott and Joanna, they were invited, for the sum of £1, to guess the name of a waist-high cuddly dog, which looked lovingly at them from the stage.

“The lucky winner had left by the time the result was announced, and so is going to be surprised by a forthcoming knock on the door!” “A raffle was also held and a total of £750 raised for Diabetes UK (Scotland). It was certainly a most worthwhile event.” See today's Telegraph for full pictures.