FILMING for the new series of hit BBC drama Waterloo Road has been cranked up as cast and crew get out and about across Inverclyde.

Crews have been in Port Glasgow, Greenock and Gourock as series eight of the award-winning drama continues to be filmed on location away from the show's base at the former Greenock Academy.

Yesterday, the cameras started rolling in Greenock's Salvation Army building in Regent Street, which appeared to have been turned into a community centre for the show, with a large 'welcome' sign installed at the entrance to the hall.

Production vehicles were also lined outside the Tontine Hotel as filming took place inside the west end venue throughout the morning.

On Monday, production staff and filming equipment were also spotted shooting on location in Parkhill Avenue, Port Glasgow.

A show insider told the Tele: "Crews were out on location yesterday and Monday shooting scenes for episode one.

"About 20 per cent of the show is to be filmed outside of the old Greenock Academy.

"There's a real buzz across Inverclyde about the show." Filming is set to continue tomorrow when cast and crew from the show will arrive at Cleats Bar in Kempock Street, Gourock, where they will film scenes from 8am until noon.

Last week, the Tele also revealed the Lindores Manor Hotel and restaurant in Greenock's west end will also be used for filming.

The retreat has been leased out by show makers until December.

Series seven of Waterloo Road is currently airing on BBC One on Wednesdays at 8pm, and the story of the fictional school's relocation from Rochdale, Greater Manchester is being played out.

Waterloo Road headmaster, Michael Byrne, played by Scots actor Alec Newman, will accept an offer to lead a new privately-funded academy in Scotland thanks to a millionaire former pupil.

Series eight of the show, featuring Greenock, is set to air in the autumn.