SHOPPERS picked up bargains at the grand opening of Ardgowan Hospice's new Greenock superstore.

Ellen Bradley and April Rarity, interim ward sisters at the hospice, cut the ribbon of the store at the former Carpetright unit in the Waterfront Retail Park.

Hospice supporter Sue Collins, who works as a nurse at Greenock Health Centre, was the first customer of the day, picking up a set of drawers.

She said: "Our daughter has moved out and has a flat of her own now so we're replacing the furniture in her bedroom.

"The new shop is great.

"I liked the old one too but I suppose it was a bit out of town."

Fellow hospice supporter Colin Galbreath, was one of the first customers through the door.

He said: "I'm very much in support of the hospice.

"I'm impressed with the new superstore and I've got my eye on one of the pictures."

Ian Marshall, head of integrated care at Ardgowan, says the shop will be very important in supporting the work of the facility.

He said: "I was in the shop over the weekend helping to set it up and I think the thing that became apparent is that it is right on the doorstep of the Oak Mall so there's an incredible amount of footfall coming in.

"It's a great shop that will support local lives - that's essentially what Ardgowan Hospice is all about, supporting those in need at a time when they most need it.

"The hope is that the shop's new position will be able to generate a lot more sales which will support patients and their families in Inverclyde."

The new store will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and will also trade on Sundays between noon and 4pm.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the store should phone 07791414392 and donations can be dropped off at the rear of the new store.