A GREENOCK businessman has created six new jobs – after opening up a furniture shop in one of the area’s most iconic buildings.

David Carroll says it is a dream come true to set up his new shop in the former St George’s Church, the imposing B-listed venue in George Square.

The 32-year-old, who also owns a nightclub in Maguluf in Spain, is thrilled to breathe new life back into the church which was built circa 1880.

He told the Telegraph: “This church had been on the market for a long time, so I feel like I’m saving the building too as otherwise it would just decay.

“It’s stunning inside, so I’m going to keep all of its unique characteristics like the church organ pipes, the beautiful stained glass windows and the pews.

“It has also created six full time jobs and I’m going to need more people as the business grows.” David, who has relocated his ‘Carroll’s Furniture’ business from Empress Court to the church, says the community has been very supportive of his new venture.

He added: “The people of Greenock have always supported me. When I started this business it was just a little shop and now I’m able to move into such a grand building.

“I’ve had lovely messages from people, including a few couples who were married in the church. They are delighted that the building is reopening as they can’t wait to see inside again.

“There is so much history attached to St George’s, that’s why I’ve kept the organ pipes and the pews.” David divides his time between his home in Forfar Road and Maguluf on the Spanish island of Majorca, where he owns the nightclub Tokio Joe’s.

He said: “I’ve been running the venue since 2004.

“I had been working over there as a Thomas Cook rep when the opportunity arose.

“So I work there during the summer and come back over to Greenock during the winter months.”