AN INTERNATIONAL musical maestro is working his magic closer to home in a bid to help his local church.

Top conductor William Barr has organised a concert with his top male choir to raise money for the Gourock Baptist Church.

Gourock man William is at the helm of the Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and has travelled the world performing. The renowned musical director has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

Now he is showing his support for his local church in their bid to upgrade their building and make it disabled-friendly.

William, 67, said: "I attend the church and I wanted to help.

"It should be a great night.

"We are also looking to get more people from Inverclyde in the choir.

"We performed at a church in Port Glasgow and someone joined - it is a great choir."

Gourock Baptist Church aim to raise £80,000 to upgrade their building.

As part of their efforts they have bagged the support of William, who moved to Gourock two years ago.

He added: "I lived in Bothwell and I was looking for somewhere quieter to stay. I found the house for sale in Gourock and fell in love with it.

"I have been going to the Gourock Baptist Church.

As musical director and conductor William is in great demand and he has featured in live performances on radio and television.

He has been conductor of the male choir for 18 years and recently took part in a number of high profile fundraisers.

These include the 40th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster, the Help for Heroes' Stars on Parade Concert in the Royal Concert Hall and the Voices of the Commonwealth, a gala concert in 2014.

Allan Morrison from Gourock Baptist Church said: "We are delighted to have William's support.

"It should be a great night."

The Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir charity concert takes place on Wednesday October 24 at 7.30pm in the Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church.

Tickets cost £7 or £5 for concessions and they are available from Mr Cairns on 892650 or 07505826037.