KINDNESS is the catchword at a Port school pupils join an award-winning campaign to help the most vulnerable in Inverclyde.

Kids at St Michael's Primary devoted a day to helping Compassionate Inverclyde and learning more about the charity's work.

Pupils packed boxes full of goodies to be sent home with patients who are leaving hospital on their own.

The project has had a massive impact since it first launched with its Back Home Boxes and other initiatives like the No One Dies Alone scheme at Inverclyde Royal.

It picked up a Greenock Telegraph Community Champions gong and continued its winning streak with a national award this month.

Since it was first launched it has struck a chord with pupils, parents and staff alike at St Michael's.

Teacher Christine Donnelly, who is leading the project in the school, said: "Compassionate Inverclyde is very much in line with our values.

"It is important for us to encourage kindness not just in the school but across the community as well.

"We are looking at everything from the Back Home Boxes, to the health and and wellbeing."

The initiative is headed by Alison Bunce, who is seconded from Ardgowan Hospice, and works in partnership with Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership and the hospice among others.

It launched in March 2017 to primarily change attitudes around palliative care.

But it has taken off since then and is now leading the fight to tackle loneliness in the community.