A SCHOOLGIRL is raising the standard at an historic Greenock harbour - after winning an Inverclyde-wide flag design competition.

Sophie Baker, a pupil at St John's Primary in Port Glasgow, had her nautical-themed ensign chosen from almost 300 entries to be flown at the entrance to James Watt Dock Marina.

The 10-year-old stuck to the brief and her flag featured all the key elements - a reference to Greenock, the river and the site itself.

Sophie, who is in P6, included a drawing of the famous Cross of Lorraine on Lyle Hill, the Clyde, anchors, a James Watt Dock Marina logo and even some fish.

She said: "I'm pleased with it.

"I was quite shocked when they told me I had won."

Marina bosses launched a competition in March for local primary pupils to come up with an eye-catching ensign to be flown on a vacant flag pole alongside the JWD and Great Harbour banners.

The aim was to promote the harbour and encourage more people to visit it.

Boys and girls in P5-7 were invited to take part in the contest and there were nearly 300 designs to choose from.

In the end, Geoff Phillips, executive chairman of JWD operators Marina Projects, selected Sophie's creation as the winner.

Ellis Quigley, from Inverkip Primary, was runner-up and Gourock Primary pupil Lyle Darroch was in third place.

They will join Sophie for a special speedboat trip in honour of their arty efforts at a later date, while the winner was also presented with a replica of her winning flag to take home.

Marina manager Graeme Galbraith said: "We were really impressed with the standard of entries and overwhelmed with the level of response from the schools."

Michelle McMillan, an additional support needs worker at St John's, accompanied Sophie to the grand unveiling of her flag, which is now flying proudly at the marina entrance next to the busy A8.

She said: "All the pupils did so well.

"Sophie was quite taken aback when she found out she had won. "It's really nice to drive by here and see Sophie's flag flying."