Development day FOOTBALL experts will be on hand in Port Glasgow next week to offer advice and share their knowledge with local coaches for free.

The Parklea Community Sports Hub, in partnership with Morton and the Scottish Football Association, will be holding a coach development day on Sunday 14 July at the Parklea community stadium.

The day will be split into three sessions which will cover different aspects of the game, each being delivered by professional coaches who will also be available for any questions after each session is finished.

The first will start at noon with the event coming to a close around 4pm.

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available beforehand, so people are more than welcome to arrive around 11.30am.

Organisers say this will be a great opportunity for coaches to gain some experience from professionals.

Anyone interested in getting involved is asked to contact Robbie Cuthbert, community sports hub development officer, on 07881 280023, 714742 or email Robbie.Cuthbert@inverclyde.gov.uk to book a place.

There is no charge for attending, however bookings must be made prior to the event.


Young Recruits make �3,900 profit for charity YOUNG entrepreneurs broke all records in the race to turn their business ideas into hard cash.

The latest intake on the council's award-winning Recruit programme rose to their first challenge in the race to secure a job. All 34 participants were split into five teams, handed a �150 start-up grant and told to find a product to sell.

Their ideas ranged from handmade jewellery to Fairtrade products and cake and candy to hand printed mugs.

In the end they managed to turn a �3,900 profit, which will go straight to Ardgowan Hospice.

Councillor Terry Loughran said: "To return such a high profit in a relatively short space of time and so early in the programme is a remarkable achievement." The Recuit programme is now in its seventh year and 46 young people have secured jobs as a direct result of the scheme.

It has also raised �67,000 for local charities. The entrepreneur challenge was the first of many facing the Recruits before the competition finale on 16 August.


Teen's threat to police A GOUROCK youth has avoided jail for being a 'nuisance' while at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

Steven Sweeney, 19, swore and uttered threats at two male police constables and spat on walls and floors at the accident and emergency department on 8 September last year.

He also threw water and spat at one of the policemen.

Sweeney, of Ailsa Road, admitted both offences during an appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton told him: "Causing a breach of the peace and making a nuisance at hospital is a serious matter - offences which take place there often merit custodial sentences.

"However, I take into account that you are a first offender." He sentenced Sweeney to 150 hours unpaid work.


Treasure hunt for tickets MUSIC fans are being invited to take part in an online treasure hunt today - and bag free tickets for T in the Park.

Weekend camping tickets will be hidden in a secret location in Greenock as part of a Twitter chase to celebrate the festival's 20th year.

Treasure hunters can find the tickets by following the hashtag #TITPtreasure and solving cryptic clues. The hunt will start at 5pm with clues being released online.

Fans need to sign up online at tinthepark.com/tickets/treasure-hunt to take part.


First showing FILM fans are being asked to snap up tickets for an exclusive preview screening of the latest Disney-Pixar movie - and help a children's charity at the same time.

New flick Planes will be shown at Showcase cinemas up and down the UK in aid of Dreamflight, whose west of Scotland co-ordinator is Kilmacolm woman Muriel Searl.

The preview takes off on Sunday 11 August, one week in advance of the general release, with all proceeds being given to the charity, which takes seriously ill children and young people on life-changing trips to Florida.

Tickets cost �5 per person and can be purchased at www.showcasecinemas.co.uk
Plans for workshop A DISUSED former carwash in Greenock could be transformed into a workshop under new plans.

The vacant building at Bogston Lane, next to Bogston railway station, is the subject of a planning application to convert it into workshop and storage area.

A Glasgow-based developer has lodged proposals with Inverclyde Council planners.


Bid for salon AN EMPTY shop unit in Inverkip could be put back into use as a health and beauty salon.

A developer has submitted plans to Inverclyde Council seeking permission to change the use of the premises at Kip Marina from a vacant retail unit to a salon.


Teen hosts charity tea A KIND-HEARTED teen has organised a special event to help sick children in Inverclyde.

Amy Shearer, 15, is inviting people to her Dream Tea event in the Cruden Hall in Greenock next Sunday to raise money for children's charity Dreams Come True.

As well as tea and cakes, there will also facepainting, a candy floss machine, raffles and show-stopping entertainment including a performance from the Clydeside Singers.

The Notre Dame High pupil said: "I'm very keen to help Dreams Come True as I enjoy being able to help others and seeing smiles on people's faces." Tickets cost �5 and are available by emailing Amy at amy.shearer@live.co.uk or by calling Dreams Come True on 783000 or emailing inverclyde@dctc.org.uk
Plans for pub FORMAL plans for a new pub and restaurant in Greenock have now been submitted to Inverclyde Council.

Greene King want to open a Hungry Horse outlet - with the creation of 40 new jobs - on vacant land at East India Harbour, just next to Victoria Harbour.


Man locked woman in flat A MAN has admitted shouting and swearing at a woman before locking her inside a flat.

Duncan McIntyre, 32, placed the female in a state of 'fear and alarm' after he prevented her from leaving the property.

The incident took place in Dempster Street, Greenock, on 31 May.

McIntyre appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court and pled guuilty.

Sentence was deferred for him to be of good behaviour.


Waterloo Road up for award AWARD-WINNING Greenock-based BBC drama Waterloo Road has been shortlisted for a major TV gong.

The show, set at the former Greenock Academy building in Madeira Street, is in the final four for a TV Choice prize. It's up against fellow BBC One shows Call the Midwife and Doctor Who, as well as ITV's Downton Abbey for the best drama series award.


Little piece of Shetland A BBC film crew decamped to Parklea playing fields in Port Glasgow this week to shoot a new series of crime drama Shetland.

Crews were filming scenes for the show, starring Scottish actor Douglas Henshall, in remote locations around the Port on Tuesday.

Actor Henshall plays Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez in the series, which first aired earlier this year and attracted six million viewers for each episode.

The corporation has commissioned three two-part stories which will be screened next year.


Ready to blast off CHILDREN in Greenock's west end are setting off on a mission to space this summer.

The Lyle Kirk's popular summer playscheme is using the theme 'Space Academy' this year.

There will be songs, drama and crafts throughout the week-long event in the church.

It runs from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August from 10.30am to 12.30pm each day.

To find out more contact Pam Stewart on 710158 or email pamela.stewart3@ntlworld.com
Donate food to help families in need AN appeal is going out for local people to help cash-strapped families by donating food this weekend.

Inverclyde Foodbank is taking part in the biggest ever food collection in the UK and people can hand over donations at Tesco in Greenock and Port Glasgow tomorrow and Saturday.

Local Foodbank manager Steven O'Neill said: "At our own foodbank, so far, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of clients being referred.

"This naturally coincides with the introduction of the welfare reforms in April.

"The increase shows the need for a foodbank within the area and we are keen to increase our resources in order to respond to the demand." Mr O'Neill says that national research shows most people who use foodbanks are working families who have hit hard times.

He said: "We have found this to be the same here at Inverclyde Foodbank - we rely almost entirely on public donations and we would encourage as many people as possible to donate a food item at their local Tesco store this weekend." Tesco will top up donations by a further 30 per cent.

Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Scout group will be helping at the Greenock collection.

People can donate between 9.30am and 4pm on both days.