Pupils have set sail on a challenge to design a new flag for marina

Harbour bosses have invited children from all local primaries to come up with an ensign that will be flown at the site entrance, next to the A8.

Among those taking part are boys and girls from St Michael's, St John's and St Francis', St Ninian's, Gourock, Inverkip and Kilmacolm primaries, who were all at the marina for the competition launch.

The winning design will be flown alongside the existing James Watt Dock and Great Harbour official banners.

Graeme Galbraith, marina manager, said: "We have three flagpoles and had random flags on the last pole, so we thought this year we would do something different.

"We want the Inverclyde community to use and visit the marina so that it's not seen as an exclusive part of Greenock, and what better way to do that than to get local schools involved? "The new flag will fly from the start of the season in mid-April for a year and at the end of the year the winner can keep the flag and we will do it all over again.

"We want it to involve a reference to Greenock, the river, the marina or all of them - msomething local to identify to the town.

"We've had really good feedback so far and the schools and customers have been very supportive."

The competition is open to all P5-7 pupils across Inverclyde and also to youngsters of marina berth holders.

Leigh McCallum, from Inverkip Primary, said: "I like art.

"I'll make the flag blue because of the water and maybe put some red in it too."

Designs for the competition must be in by March 31.

For more information, call the marina office on 729838.