PENSIONERS say they no longer feel socially isolated thanks to Port Glasgow's 'friendliest' seniors club.

The Heartland Circle group in St Mary's Episcopal Church is transforming the lives of local senior citizens.

Every Thursday, older people from all walks of life and faiths are invited to the church to enjoy a cuppa and a chat before enjoying a range of activities covering everything from flower arranging and dominoes and arts and crafts to model building.

Julie Tarrant, a retired nurse who leads the group after helping to set it up with the minister's wife Francine Gifford, says that it is enriching the lives of senior citizens in the community.

She said: "We're really pleased with the way it has turned out.

"There are quite a few people in the church and outwith who are socially isolated at home and who need interaction, especially people with early stage dementia.

"About half of the group have dementia and half don't - it works very well.

"The important thing is that we are open to all denominations, it's not just members of this church."

Isobel Ferris, 80, attends the group with her husband Hugh, 86, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

She said: "I really enjoy the company.

"We've been coming here for over two years now and we love it.

"Without the group we would be more isolated.

"Hugh can't drive anymore and that made us feel isolated because we don't really live on a bus route and Hugh can't walk that far."

Isobel says the group has made a big difference to their lives.

She added: "Being at the group makes Hugh concentrate, especially when he's playing dominoes.

"He really enjoys it and we've made lots of friends."

Eric McKechnie, 84, who is from Port Glasgow but now lives in Kilmacolm, attends along with his wife Elizabeth, who also has Alzheimer's.

He said: "I really like the friendliness of it - all the church members go out of their way to make everybody happy.

"My wife enjoys it, as being from Port Glasgow she knows most of the people.

"They are all so friendly.

"The club gives us a wee break - I come down here and play dominoes then I go in for an afternoon cup of tea.

"Everyone is lovely."

Every three months, musical entertainment is also put on and the club also has a bus to pick up the pensioners.

The group meets every Thursday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and all are welcome.