YOUNGSTERS had the time of their lives hunting for little creatures in the wet and wilds of a Greenock community garden.

They were exploring local wildlife by wading through the long grass, in the first pre-school kids' club run by the Belville garden team.

The project is using lottery money and other funding to bring families closer to nature on their own doorsteps.

Co-ordinator Sally Clough takes kids and their parents on a great outdoors adventure as part of the Little Foragers club.

Mum Yvonne Scott, who had her waterproofs on with her four-year-old daughter Elizabeth, said: "We absolutely loved it.

"Elizabeth loves being outside.

"It is a brilliant club, encouraging children to be out and about in the fresh air.

"I want to encourage her as much as I can and she doesn't mind the rain!

"We had a great day learning about the insects and about nature."

The foragers went in search of food to be found in the grounds as well as all the little insects hiding in the specially designed gardens.

Co-ordinator Sally said: "They had a great time despite the rain and we have a waiting list for the clubs."

Afterwards the group headed back to the hub to enjoy a snack together.

Belville Community Garden's team work closely with other projects, running programmes for schools, people with mental health problems and those with learning disabilities.

They also run eco-friendly schemes aimed at reducing food waste and encouraging more people to grow their own produce plus a free, drop-in lunch every Friday.

To find out more about the activities on offer call 726034.