Tributes have been paid to a much loved Gourock volunteer stalwart

Alan Stevenson was renowned for his kindness, generosity of spirit and helpfulness after years of helping out at major sporting events.

The 64-year-old retired insurance broker of Divert Road passed away after battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Today, his family and friends spoke about his love of volunteering and the joy it brought him.

Christopher Quinn, who met Alan during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, said he was one of a kind.

He said: "Alan was one of life’s true treasures."

Alan, a loving grandfather who was married to his wife Edna for 23 years, worked as an insurance broker but he retired 10 years ago due to ill health.

During his retirement Alan started volunteering at major sporting events.

Some of the highlights included giving up his time to help out with the Commonwealth Games when it came to Glasgow in 2014.

As a 'frontrunner', Alan interviewed volunteers for the event and also helped out at the lawn bowls competition at the Kelvingrove.

His love of the game also led him to help set up the Frontboolers - a group of Commonwealth Games volunteers who now hold a charity bowls event every year in Inverclyde.

Christopher added: "He was a man that loved to help others but he never ever wanted any praise or recognition.

"The day him and I seemed to click was at a sponsors event prior to the Games.

"It was at Kelvingrove Bowling green - I was there taking photos, he was there in a bowling teacher role to explain how the game was played to about 70 non players.

"It was a great success on the green.

"From that event he was contacted by Barrs, the soft drink company.

"That led to him and some bowling friends appearing in a bit part in an Irn Bru advert - his payment for that was donated to the Calum’s Cabin charity."

Alan also volunteered at major badminton and athletics competitions as well as at the Davis Cup and at the Kiltwalk.

He also helped to set up a Facebook group with 1,700 fellow volunteers.

His wife Edna said Alan loved volunteering and was touched when his friends gifted her a special memory book full of photos and messages from everyone who knew him.

She said: "Alan was an ordinary guy who was keen on sports and volunteering.

"He worked as an insurance broker before retiring 10 years ago because of ill health but he never complained about it.

"At the Commonwealth Games he interviewed the volunteers.

"He loved it and he made a lot of friends as well."

Edna said Alan was also a keen bowler and was a past president of Gourock Bowling Club.

She said: "His friends have been very good especially by giving me this lovely book."