IT will be off to school at the double in Inverclyde this week — as a record FIFTEEN sets of twins got set for life in P1.

The astonishing number beats last year’s total of 13 and means there will be over 80 sets of twins in local primaries, with 69 pairs of siblings already being taught here.

The figures have led some to ponder whether there’s something rather special in the water here and Provost Robert Moran even joked that it’s helping to arrest the area’s much talked-about population decline issues.

Provost Moran quipped: “It’s certainly nice to see the parents doing their bit to make the place more sustainable!” He added: “This is fantastic, never did I think that we would beat last year’s record intake — but we have.

“I’ve lost count of the amount of people who have said to me that there must be something a bit extra coming out of the taps in Inverclyde.” A special celebration was held yesterday as the beaming kids — resplendent in their new uniforms — gave the loudest rendition of ‘Cheese!’ ever heard for the cameras.

New Moorfoot Primary brothers Kieran and Ethan Martin’s mum, Lorna, suggested that the upsurge in twins has sparked a niche retail boom in Greenock.

She said: “I think the local shops have really caught on to this twin thing.

“You see loads of them here well stocked up with things for twins — you even get a great choice of prams.

“I think Greenock could be the best equipped retail centre in the country for twins.” Mhairi-Claire, mum of Scott and Brendan Serrago — who are going to St Joseph’s — said: “It’s twice the fun and it’s been great seeing how they bond with each other.

“I’m glad that at least they are going to school with a familiar face by their side!” Education convener Terry Loughran said: “The first day of school is always an exciting time for children and it is wonderful these youngsters can share the experience with their twin sibling.

“It is amazing to think we have 15 sets starting in just 10 of our schools, so it’s likely to be a challenge for the teachers telling them apart!” Kyle and Kayla Muir’s mum, Danielle, has mixed feelings as she looks forward to their big day at All Saints Primary on Friday.

She said: “It’s quite overwhelming. They’re not babies anymore so it’s a bittersweet moment for me.” Craig Lindsay, dad of twins Amy and Ellie who are going into St Andrew’s Primary, said: “These kids are record breakers already and they haven’t even started school yet.

“It’s great to see all of them looking so smart.” Sophie and Aimee O’Neill’s mum, Allanah, said: “I’ve never seen as many sets of twins in my life before.” The full list of twins starting school is as follows: Leon & Leonna Cleary and Ethan & Kieran Martin, Moorfoot Primary; Abbey & Sarah Cootes and Charlie & Isla Pettigrew, Inverkip Primary; Anais & Roman Cuthbertson, St Ninian’s Primary; Connor & Luke Gill and Abigail & Blair Hoodless, St John’s Primary; Arran & Ruby Gilmour, Whinhill Primary; Amy & Ellie Lindsay and Kyla & Leah McCreadie, St Andrew’s Primary; Kayla & Kyle Muir, All Saints Primary; Aimee & Sophie O’Neill and Cody & Noah Waddell, King’s Oak Primary; Jake & Olivia Reilly, Newark Primary and Brendan & Scott Serrago, St Joseph’s Primary.