A creative couple are all set to bring an old church back to life as an art and food hub

Filmmaker Jane McAllister and her husband David Watson, a cabinet maker, have won over councillors with their plans for the former Martyrs Free Church in the centre of Greenock.

They told the Tele that they hope to combine their love of arts, culture, history and food under one family-friendly roof.

The husband and wife team, who moved to Gourock two years ago, aim to transform the disused West Shaw Street building into a space capable of staging major events and where people can meet.

But was nearly all over before it started when planners initially refused permission over concerns surrounding solar panels.

In the end, the local review body stepped in to overturn the original decision.

Jane McAllister, who moved to Gourock two years ago, said: "We are very grateful the councillors backed us. We have exciting plans for the church.

"It is something we really want to do and we are putting a team in place.

"We want to create a space for everyone to enjoy, including families.

"Links with local history is very important to us so we are looking at ways we can incorporate this."

Through their love of the past, Jane and David were keen to restore an old building.

David added: "The building had been a store for 30 years. I was looking for space for a workshop and this was ideal, then started to think what we could do with it."

At the same time Jane was looking for film studio space to bring them closer to home for their young children.

She added: "We are looking at baby discos and all sorts of other events."

They hope to start work on the hub next year, with the plans set to include a cafe with locally sourced food.

The free church building dates back to the early 1900s, It was put up for sale last year and retains traditional ornate glazing.

The couple were granted planning permission after the local review body decided the solar panels would not have an adverse visual impact on the area.