A GOUROCK mum-of-two who checked out of her career in retail is now encouraging local kids to get creative.

Cheryl Gray was so disheartened with her job after returning to work following the birth of her oldest son, now six, that she decided to change she would have to change direction.

After the birth of her second son she quit her managerial post and set up an art class for babies and toddlers.

Now, four years on from launching the award winning ARTventurers franchise, Cheryl has found a balance that works.

The 39-year-old, who runs creative classes at different venues across Inverclyde, said: "I took a leap of faith and it paid off in so many ways.

"I was in retail but with the long hours and with children it just wasn't for me.

"Hats off to people who can do it, but I needed to find something else.

"I was paying a chunk of my wages on childcare so I decided to do something about it.

"I have always been arty and I thought, what can I find that suits me?"

Cheryl found the ARTventurers franchise and brought it to Scotland.

From her first class in October 2015 she still has some of the same children coming along.

She has taken fun activities she enjoyed with her son Dylan, six, and Ethan, four, and out into various community venues.

Cheryl added: "We give children the chance of creative play in a nice, safe environment.

"I have lots of dads coming along at the weekends, which is lovely.

"It is creative play, giving children the chance to express themselves and for parents to spend quality time with together.

"It's great fun for kids and their parents."

Cheryl runs her ARTventurers in Greenock Baptist Church, Dazzles and Funworld.

To find out more contact 07947275818.