SWIMMERS in Gourock dipped their hands in their pockets to help raise almost £1,000 at an annual fundraiser.

Inverclyde charity champ Louise Newman held her seventh MS swim at the town's outdoor pool recently to raise money for fellow sufferers of multiple sclerosis.

Family, friends and supporters braved miserable weather conditions to ensure the event was another splash hit.

So far, the fundraising total stands at £900 with donations still coming in towards the £1,000 mark.

Louise said: "I'm really pleased with the turnout and the amount raised considering the weather and the fact we were competing with the Port Glasgow 10k and the men's road race in Glasgow.

"It was probably the worst we've had in terms of the weather so I'm delighted with how much was raised."

Louise, a former Greenock Academy and Clydeview teacher, launched the event in 2011 after being diagnosed with MS and has generated in excess of £30,000 for good causes through various fundraisers, including more than £12,000 from the swim alone.

This year's instalment was sponsored by Neil MacEwen of Aitchison Opticians in Greenock and raffle prizes included a four-ball golf day at Gleddoch Hotel and a Scotland top signed by Celtic footballer Lewis Morgan, who is from Gourock, donated by his sister Gillian and lots of delicious home-baking.

Louise said: "Thanks to all my friends and loyal swimmer who came along on a winter's day in the middle of August.

"It was a freezing cold day so thankfully it was lovely and warm in the pool.

"A special thanks also to everyone who made the cakes.

"There were so many and they were amazing, so much so that some people came along just to buy them."

Louise also thanked Gavin Morrison from Amazon in Gourock who donated two interactive Echo speakers.