TODAY we take a trip back in time to April 2005 when a Greenock man hit the headlines for predicting the new Pope - five years before it happened.

John Davidson, a man well known in Inverclyde for his calling of world and political events, had already predicted the number of seats each party would win in the first Scottish Parliamentary elections.

In January 2000, John, 57, had a premonition that Joseph Ratzinger would be the next Pontiff in the Vatican.

He wrote it down and gave it in a sealed envelope to a local firm of solicitors.

After the new Pope was elected, he went to the offices of Marie A Land’s firm and asked them to take his envelope out of their safe.

The envelope was opened and revealed the correct name of the new Pontiff on the back of a tarot card.

John told the Telegraph: “I am really pleased to have been proven right.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this.”

Elsewhere Gourock’s outdoor pool was being filled for its earliest-ever opening.

Sea water had been pouring in following a £30,000 refurbishment that included the construction of disabled toilets and a family/disabled changing room – plus a lick of paint.

Town councillor Jim Hunter said: “The staff have done a wonderful job getting the pool ready.

“All that remains is for people to come and use it.”

In sport, it was derby day for the two teams striving for the second promotion spot in the second division.

As Stranraer travelled to meet county rivals Ayr United at Somerset Park, Morton entertained Dumbarton at Cappielow.

On paper, Morton looked to have the easier fixture on their own pitch and if they were to win and Stranraer dropped anything at all, the situation would be one in which the Cappielow mean would at least have their destiny in their own hands.

But the Ton failed to capitalise, stumbling to a goalless draw, a result which would ultimately prove crucial when their promotion dream died a week later.

Morton midfielder John Maisano meanwhile made headlines as he encouraged young aspiring footballers.

The Australian passed on his skills to Ardgowan Primary’s sevens football team at Battery Park in advance of their final appearance at the Coca Cola Soccer tournament at Hampden.

He said: “It is great watching them play the game. They are so innocent and just want to have fun.

“It reminds me what it was like when I was that age.”

Finally, little ones at a Greenock nursery sang their hearts out for charity.

Rising stars at Hillend Nursery spent a morning enjoying a sponsored sing to raise cash for Macmillan nurses.

The youngsters collected cash from their families and friends and put together a collection of their favourite tunes for their performance.