CLOSE friends and colleagues of 'inspirational' late education director Wilma Bain are set for a charity run to help other people in her memory.

'Team Inverclyde' have paid heartfelt tributes to the 56-year-old mum-of-one, who lost a brave battle with cancer in April this year.

They told how she was still working only weeks before she died and showed her fighting spirit throughout.

A total of 39 people from across the council will line up for the Great Scottish Run this weekend to remember Wilma.

Jackie McLaren, assistant to the chief executive, who organised the run, said: "The response for Wilma has just been overwhelming.

"She inspired us all in so many ways.

"She was a special lady.

"You would never have know how ill she was - she worked right up until March going to meetings and just kept getting on with the job.

"Wilma had time for everyone.

"I think the number of people wanting to take part in this, and to support us, just shows how much people thought of her."

Wilma, a loving wife to David and mum to Morven, died in April this year.

She moved to Inverclyde in 2007 and was promoted to head of education in 2010.

Wilma left for a short time and then returned in 2015 as corporate director of education, communities and organisational development.

In the tributes that followed her death from council leader Stephen McCabe and chief exec Aubrey Fawcett spoke of the massive impact she made.

In her role she had continued to oversee the massive investment in the school estate programme but was particularly proud of Inverclyde's efforts to improve the life chances of pupils through the attainment challenge.

Close friend Ruth Binks, now the education and communities director, will take part in the run on Sunday.

Ruth told the Tele: "Wilma touched everyone she met, she was a close friend and a great colleague and is sorely missed.

"She loved her job and gave so much.

"But Wilma loved her life, her husband David and her daughter.

"Throughout her illness she was so brave and an inspiration."

Lisa Mitchell, who was Wilma's secretary, is taking part in her first run at the 10k in Glasgow on Sunday.

She said: "It is something that I really wanted to do."

She'll be joined by Ian Hanley, community safety lead officer.

He said: "Wilma used to have meetings with the police and the fire service and you wouldn't know she was ill.

"We all wanted to do this to show how much she meant."

So far the runners have raised more than £1,800 in sponsorship for St Vincent's Hospice, who cared for Wilma.

You can make a pledge online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Team-Inverclyde