LOCAL lawyers are showing a bit of will-power to help one of Inverclyde's favourite charities.

People who make wills during October with a choice of five Inverclyde solicitors' offices will not be charged for the service.

Instead they'll be encouraged to help the hospice.

One participating solicitor, Hayley Bayfield, of McClure's, said: "We are delighted to join other local solicitors to support Ardgowan Hospice and get the message across about the importance of making or reviewing an existing will.

"Making a will is an important thing to do which often gets put to the bottom of the 'to-do' list.

"We hope this October people will pick up the phone and make an appointment.

"It really is one of the most important things you can do to protect those you love."

The funds raised will support hospice care for more than 1,000 people and their families living in Inverclyde with a life-limiting illness.

The solicitors are offering to amend existing wills, as well as writing a new one.

Elaine McNeill, hospice fundraising officer, said: "We are very grateful to our partnering solicitors as they are offering their time and expertise to write and amend wills for free and

allow local people to offer a donation to the hospice instead.

"Ardgowan is not expecting people that take up the offer to leave a gift in the will, also called a legacy.

"This is a very personal decision and is up to each individual that takes part in the Gifts in Wills month.

"In the first instance, we just want people to take the first step and make sure they have made a will."

The participating solicitors are: Cook, Stevenson & Co (722100); Kingsley Wood & Co (01505 874114); McClure's (0800 852 1999); Neill Clerk & Murray (724522); Patten and Prentice (720306)

Appointment bookings are now being taken and readers are advised to book early as demand is expected to be high during the month.

All the participating solicitors can also be found on Ardgowan Hospice's website or by emailing fundraising@ardhosp.org.uk

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CAPTION: L to R, Cathy Dyer,of McClure; Charlene Duncan, Neill Clerk and Murray; Elaine McNeill, Ardgowan Hospice; David Slack, Patten and Prentice.