A HOSPICE fundraising group will pay a heartfelt tribute to a much loved volunteer - by having a ladies lunch in her memory.

The Friends of Ardgowan Hospice annual charity event will this year be held in honour of 89-year-old Nan Skinner.

Long-serving member Nan helped support the group and the hospice for over 30 years.

At the ladies lunch this year, the first since her death, Nan will be remembered with a special speech.

Friends chairwoman Cathy Thompson said: "Nan is so sadly missed.

"She was a really special lady and is such a huge loss to everyone.

"She was one of the stalwarts of the Friends of the Hospice - I don't know what we would have done without her over the years.

"Nan was such a great character and a big personality.

"She was such a hard worker and helped with absolutely everything.

"She was so creative and one of those ladies who was never too busy to help.

"We all have such lovely memories of her.

"She did so much for the Friends of the Hospice."

The Friends raise around £30,000 a year for Ardgowan, which relies largely on donations.

One of the most important events in their calendar is the Ladies Lunch in the Tontine Hotel, coming up in March.

At this year's event Nan will be remembered by all those who attend and Mattie Hynds, from the Greenock Ladies Speakers Club, will offer a special tribute to her.

Nan, who was also a member of the club, passed away last March.

She lived in Dempster Street with her husband David and was a much loved mum to son Campbell, as well as mother-in-law to Sheila and gran to Craig and Ross.

As well as volunteering for the Friends, she was a member of the Grosvenor Bowling Club and Greenock Methodist Church.

Her family and friends donated £900 to the Friends of Ardgowan Hospice in her memory.

The ladies lunch in memory of Nan will take place on Wednesday March 6, starting at noon.

Tickets cost £20 and they can be booked by contacting Cathy Thompson on 07876017830 or visiting the hospice Access Centre.