CHILDREN put on a dazzling and energetic display at the Beacon Arts Centre to celebrate the Commonwealth Games.

They acted, sang and danced in Let The Games Begin, written by local composer Alan Beck.

It featured pupils from every primary across Inverclyde as part of a joint schools project.

Delighted Alan said: “It was fantastic and the kids had a ball. The kids absolutely loved being on the stage and every primary school was represented.” Let The Games Begin is the moving story of young Jock McPhail, a character who is bidding to become Inverclyde’s first gold medal winner at the games.

Alan wrote the music and lyrics and conceived the story, with Inverclyde Council’s music services team making the magic happen on stage, along with Julie Ellen, artistic director of Beacon Arts Centre.

Children prepared for the show by singing on the steps outside the venue to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to town last week.

Alan, who lives in Greenock, added: “The message behind the story is simply that it takes hard work to achieve goals.

“Work hard, always try your best and you will get the rewards in the end.” The show marks the first time that there has been a collaboration between Inverclyde Council’s Music Service and Beacon Arts Centre.