IT'S double delight for this year's Inverclyde school twins.

Four sets of 'similar siblings' started primary one yesterday, welcomed by Provost Martin Brennan.

The twin rate is significantly down from the record 19 sets three years ago, 15 in 2016 and 13 sets 12 months ago.

But the class of 2018, who are all from Greenock, were proud to fly the flag for Inverclyde's twins.

Cate and Elle Canning and James and Louis Reid, all Ardgowan Primary, were joined by All Saints duo Connor and Macey Murdoch and Harry and Jack O'Donnell, who attend St Patrick's.

Provost Brennan said: "The first day of school is a big event in a child's right of passage and you can also see parents are geed up as well.

"There's also an air of anxiety about it every time they step through the gates but the teachers and all the staff are well rehearsed in bringing and welcoming the new intake into the school and our schools are great."

Brother and sister Connor and Macey Murdoch certainly enjoyed their first day at All Saints.

Connor said: "It was good.

"We were playing and got a buddy."

Macey added: "The teacher read us a story, 'Monster in a Box'."

Their mum Jenni Harvey, 44, from Balloch Road, was teary eyed as she waved them off to school but relieved the twins enjoyed their first day.

She said: "It was emotional for me but they were absolutely fine."

For Ardgowan Primary pair Cate and Elle Canning, their mum, dad and two big brothers were out of sight but not out of mind.

Cate said: "We were drawing and I drew my family.

"I was nervous but I was okay when I got to school.

"Mum said if I didn't cry she would let me choose where to go for lunch."

Their mum Donna, 40, who lives in the west end, was delighted that day one of P1 went so well.

She said: "Elle did not care at all and Cate was quite nervous but she was fine when they were in.

"It made a difference having the nursery teachers there."

Twins James and Louis also put their artistic skills to good use.

Mum Kate, 39, from Denholm Terrace, said: "I was an emotional but they are confident guys and they were great."