INVERCLYDE Music Festival ‘living legend’ Isabel Lind is encircled by a host of pint-sized singers as she prepares to celebrate a 55-year association with the much-loved event.

The former headteacher at Aileymill Primary School has put full retirement on hold to continue as festival president and revel in the special atmosphere that on it can provide.

Teachers, parents and the talented young performers rushed up to greet the ‘local celebrity’ on the unofficial first day of the festival.

And Isabel, 66, declared that it was ‘just great’ to be back doing what she loves best – changing children’s lives through the power of music.

She said: “It’s so exciting as because I’ve just retired I’ll be able to see so many more performances.

“Last year I didn’t get to see the Singing Games because it was during the school day so I’m really looking forward to that.

“I’m so proud of the festival as it’s one of the best festivals not only in Scotland but in Britain.

“This year there are 1400 entrants over 300 classes so it’s set to be another fantastic festival.

“I think the festival changes people’s lives.”

Isabel says the music festival changed her life when she performed as a youngster.

She said: “When I was younger my mum and dad were not interested in music but at school I got lots of music.

“I was 11 years old when I performed at the festival and I loved it.

“Music changed my life and that’s why I wanted to give something back to the children.”

The festival, which celebrated it’s 100th birthday two years ago, relies upon Isabel and a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to get it organised.

President Isabel said: “Anne McGregor, who is the festival secretary, does an unbelievably amount of work.

“Almost every single day of the year she does something to organise the festival.

“Our treasurer Roger Lee has also done a sterling job.

“No-one on our committee gets paid as we put all the money back into the festival.

“I want to thank everyone who helps out at the festival as they all work so hard in organising the festival which is renowned across the country.

“I also want to thank the people of Inverclyde for supporting it.”

The festival unofficially kicked off on Thursday with the two-day Singing Games Spectacular before the main event begins on Monday with performances from the school choirs and various vocal solo and duet classes.