ARDGOWAN Hospice's chief executive has paid a moving tribute to the 'wonderful' volunteers who raise thousands of pounds every year to help their cause.

Linda McEnhill was one of the guest speakers at the annual Friends of the Ardgowan Hospice ladies lunch.

She spoke about the outstanding contributions made by the tireless fundraising group, praising the 100 women who attended the charity fundraiser, held this year in memory of much-loved volunteer Nan Skinner, who passed away last March.

Linda, who took up the post a year ago, said: "I was honoured to speak at the lunch. As I said to everyone, the hospice would not be here without them, they raise up to £30,000 a year.

"It is incredible and I just want to thank each and every one of them for their hard work.

"I have been overwhelmed since taking over as chief executive by the outstanding care that is delivered here. We have the most wonderful staff and volunteers."

The ladies lunch is one of the flagship fundraisers organised by Friends of the Ardgowan Hospice chairwoman Cathy Thompson and her committee.

As well as the annual event, they run their regular coffee mornings and other fundraisers.

A special tribute was paid to 89-year-old Nan by her friend Mattie Hynds, of the Greenock Speakers' Club.

Nan's son Campbell also sent a letter which was read out, wishing all the ladies a wonderful day in his mum's memory.

Mattie spoke movingly about Nan's incredible journey from her time in Singapore with the Wrens through to her role as a loving wife and mother.

Nan, from Dempster Street, devoted her life to helping others.

Mattie added: "Nan was an amazing woman who just lived life to the full. She was one of life's great characters and threw herself in to everything."

The lunch raised over £1,000 which will go towards caring for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.