NEW life has been breathed into an empty Gourock building which has been converted into a state-of-the-art dance studio.

The former ice cream factory and joiners' studio in Caledonia Crescent had been lying vacant for some time.

But Ann Marie Campbell and her family have transformed it into a stylish studio space for her dance school Dancemania and DM Diamondz.

Ann Marie, who was formerly based in Greenock, was delighted to hold an open day to mark the official unveiling.

She said: "It's very exciting to officially open our new Diamond Studios.

"The building was a big empty space, there was nothing in it.

"So we've built it up from scratch.

"The pupils love it.

"We've designed it so that when the pupils walk in, they feel good about themselves.

"The studio also has sprung flooring which is great as the next nearest facility with sprung flooring is Largs."

Ann Marie says the dance studio is also a tribute to her dad George Houston, who sadly passed away in January, and her late father-in-law Colin Campbell.

She said: "The studio is in both of their memories.

"For my dad, the studio was a labour of love.

"He was down working at the studio every day from morning to night.

"He always said 'work hard and make it happen'."

Ann Marie's husband Ronnie was also a big support, working for months to get the premises ready.

She says she is also indebted to her daughter Gemma, who teaches at the school, and niece Erin Houston who also helps out alomg with the local councillors who have supported her along the way.