YOGA is being used to help stretch the boundaries of health and wellbeing in Inverclyde with a huge free class in Greenock.

It will take place in the town hall on Thursday from 4-6pm to mark International Day of Yoga.

The special event has been arranged by local business PG Paper, in partnership with Inverclyde Leisure.

Poonam Gupta OBE, the founder and chief executive of the Custom House-based global export company, is the driving force behind the event.

It will feature workshops and demonstrations for people of all ages and abilities.

The Consulate General of India based in Edinburgh is organising similar showcases around the country in places like the capital and Glasgow, but Poonam persuaded them to host one outside of the big cities for the first time, in Greenock.

The town hall event will mark the fifth International Day of Yoga in Scotland.

Poonam said: "It's exciting that I'm finally managing to bring an event like this to Greenock.

"I hope lots of people come and enjoy this event, which is free for everyone, to promote health and wellbeing. "The initiative is being championed by the prime minister of India who is passionate about health and wellbeing.

"I'm looking forward to people of all ages and abilities attending Greenock Town Hall in big numbers."

Inverclyde Leisure have provided the venue free of charge while outdoor clothing company Trespass is providing 300 free water bottles for those taking part.

Andrew Hetherington, IL operations manager, said: "We're delighted to be hosting, on behalf of PG Paper, International Day of Yoga at the town hall.

"It really highlights health, fitness and wellbeing all in one great event."

The celebration of yoga is also being backed by Inverclyde Council and the Greenock Telegraph.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "It's a great initiative and it fits in well with our wish to make Inverclyde a fitter place.

"Sport and fitness takes many forms and we know things like yoga and pilates are very popular. "What this also does is show that you can do things within Inverclyde rather than going outwith the area."

The event is free to take part in and people can pop in at any time between 4 and 6pm.