TINY tots sang their hearts out as the Inverclyde Music Festival curtain raiser got under way.

The little ones relished their moment in the spotlight at the Singing Games Spectacular event at Greenock Town Hall on Thursday and Friday.

Festival President Isabel Lind, who will officially open the Music Festival on Monday, said it's important that the wee ones have their chance to shine.

Mrs Lind told the Tele said: "It's very special to see the young children, who are as young as three and four, on the stage performing for the first time.

"What the adjudicator remarked on was how composed they were.

"They could hardly believe the children are so young - it like they had been coming to the festival for years."

Backstage, the Tele caught up with the tots from St John's Nursery in Port Glasgow who could not wait to perform.

Donna Buirds, senior early years education and childcare officer at the nursery, said: "They are very excited and looking forward to going on the big stage.

"It's a good learning experience.

"This is a good way to develop their confidence and self esteem."

The youngsters from Gourock's Binnie Street Children's Centre were also buzzing with excitement.

Lisa Conway, acting senior early years childcare and education officer, said "It's a really good experience for them.

"They have been practising since October."

The Tele will have regular coverage of the festival competition next week.