A BIG-HEARTED Greenock bus driver is giving up his Christmas Day to take needy people to a free festive feast.

McGill's is putting on a special service transport people to and from the dinner organised by young mum Taylor Barnes at Gibshill Community Centre to help people who are isolated or struggling financially over the festive period.

Now the firm have got into the festive spirit by offering transport to take people to and from the event - and worker James McPherson is giving up his day to get behind the wheel.

Ralph Roberts, the managing director of McGill's, said: "McGill’s is more than happy to be able to provide a free bus to make Christmas special for those attending and we applaud our driver James McPherson for giving up his time and taking the initiative to do this.

"We would hate to think of anyone spending Christmas alone because they were unable to get transport to such a great and thoughtful event.

"As a locally owned business, it’s important that we do what we can to assist in such events, which help make the community of Inverclyde such a great place to live and work.”

Bus driver Jim says he's happy to give up his Christmas Day to help.

He said: "I hope that folk take up Taylor's offer.

"I think it's a great idea and I just wanted to try and do a little to help her and everyone involved."

Taylor, who is expecting her second child in March, said: "It means a lot to me that McGill's and James have arranged this - it is such a lovely gesture.

"Public transport doesn’t run on Christmas Day and taxis are a lot of money for people, especially those who are alone at this time of year.

"So McGill’s and James providing this support means that I can ensure I have the best chance to fill my 70 seats."

Hardeep Singh Kohli, comedian, cook and TV presenter who recently starred in the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother, has agreed to help out at the festive feast alongside a team of volunteers.