NURSERY pupils in the east end of Greenock gave it welly on a walk around the streets in aid of two worthy causes.

Around 70 boys and girls at Gibshill Children's Centre took part in a sponsored 'welly waddle' during the week and they were joined by a 50-strong team of parents, carers and staff.

The event was organised primarily to raise funds for a Christmas treat for the youngsters at their end of year festive party but nursery staff also hope to make a donation to the Scottish Cot Death Trust and the charity drive for local schoolgirl Rosie Veronica Mitchell once all the money has been tallied up.

The Tele joined the morning class on their walk on Tuesday and there was another 'waddle' on Thursday afternoon.

Staff say both went down a storm.

Craig Scott, depute head of centre, said: "First and foremost it was to raise funds for the nursery to buy Christmas presents for the party and, if we get enough money, to make a donation to the Scottish Cot Death Trust and Rosie's Appeal.

"We're very lucky because the community are good to us and that's why we want to give a wee bit back. "We don't have a final total yet as we're still collecting sponsor forms but we usually do well. "Over the two days we had about 120 people - and two dogs.

"We walked around Gibshill and it was great.

"The children really enjoyed it and the parents too, who brought along brothers, sisters and some dogs as well. "Although it was organised by the nursery, it was a real community event."

At the end of each walk, there was an event inside where the boys and girls were presented with certificates, stickers and balloons as a 'well done' for their efforts.

There was also an educational element to the sponsored walk.

Craig said: "Before it, we spoke to the children about road safety, to take a friend's hand, not to run and to generally to be aware of what's around them. "They all took that on board and were risk assessing themselves as they went along by looking out for litter, avoiding any dog fouling and looking out for cars.

"We were really lucky that the weather was okay but there were still a few puddles for the children to jump in with their wellies on."