Schoolboy made a splash at his birthday pool party by giving up presents to raise hundreds of pounds for the hospice

Rhys Cuthbertson, a P4 pupil at Inverkip Primary, his classmates, cousins and friends enjoyed playing on big inflatables and munching on hot dogs and doughnuts to mark his eighth birthday at Largs swimming pool

But instead of presents young Rhys asked for donations to go Ardgowan Hospice where his late grandad Leighton MacIntyre was cared for.

His kind gesture raised £500.

He said: "I wanted to help the wee hospital that helped my grandad when he wasn’t very well.

"My friends didn't have to get me a present, they could just give some money and then we can all give a bigger gift to the hospice and help people.

"All my friends thought it was a good idea.

"They might have friends who want to get better, so it was good to help the hospice.

Big-hearted youngster Rhys, who enjoys swimming and playing football, already donates his old toys and sits on the charity committee at the school.

Mr MacIntyre was supported at home by Ardgowan’s community nurse specialists and in the hospice’s in-patient unit.

His family found the support at home and then at the hospice invaluable.

Rhys also visited his grandad at the hospice too.

Head teacher Diane Renfrew said: "Rhys is a popular boy and this is a lovely gesture.

"He seems very proud of himself as is his mum and as we all are.

"Seeing what he has done means a great deal to me personally, as someone who went through cancer treatment in 2016."

Elaine McNeill, Ardgowan fundraising officer, is delighted Rhys gave up his birthday presents to do something so kind.

She said: “What a fantastic idea from such a young boy.

"It’s just amazing.

"We would also like to thank Inverkip Hotel as their patrons gave Rhys gave £150 towards his collection with £50 being given by one person."