PUPILS at Inverclyde Academy are putting their writing and artistic skills to the test as they produce their own graphic novel.

Around 20 second year pupils, led by librarian Susan Morton, are halfway through producing the novel - which they hope to launch in June.

The pupils, with the help of Paul Bristow and Mhairi Armstrong from local heritage group Magic Torch, are revamping an old book called Old Greenock Characters, by John Donald, for a modern day audience.

They have worked in two teams, one comprised of writers and the other providing illustrations, to 'reimagine' the book and the characters.

Susan says she is thrilled with the progress they are making.

She said: "I have worked with Magic Torch before and love what they do.

"They have worked with our pupils before and they are great with them.

"I wanted to do something I thought the pupils would enjoy and benefit from, so I applied for funding from the the Scottish Library and Information Council and picked pupils I though would like it.

"We have been doing one workshop a week and I am absolutely delighted with how they have all worked, they have embraced the challenge.

"They seem to have enjoyed it and have taken onboard advice and tips from Paul and Mhairi.

"We still have a lot to do but I think we will be ready for the launch in June."

Families and friends of the pupils were invited along to the last workshop before the Easter break and were impressed with the progress the pupils had made.

Mhairi, who is an illustrator and comic artist with Magic Torch, said: "It has been great working with the pupils, there is a lot of talent here and they have made great progress.

"It's very much like a production line, the words come then the images and the two teams have collaborated well.

"The character designs and page layouts are underway and I think we are on track for finishing in June.

"The novel features a variety of characters from the Victorian era and their stories, and the pupils seem to have enjoyed working from descriptions in the book and presenting it in a new form.

"We just hope people enjoy the finished product."