Locals are steering a campaign to put Inverclyde's favourite charity champion back on the road

Tommy 'The Clown' Armstrong told the the Tele last week how he fears having to give up his fundraising after losing his car.

Over the decades the 78-year-old has raised around £200,000 for dozens of charities and helped countless local families.

Now businesswoman Hassia Chalmers and other local people are turning the tables to help Tommy.

Hassia, who owns Sovereign Jewellers in West Blackhall Street, said: "Tommy has done so much for the community.

"I think it is time we give something back to him.

"All I want is to walk into a garage and get him a car.

"He is a wee man with a big heart and we all want to help him."

Jeweller Hassia has supported Tommy since her she first opened her shop with her late husband Drew more than 20 years ago.

For many years Tommy has donned full costume to entertain shoppers in West Blackhall Street while collecting for his chosen charities.

Both Hassia and Drew supported him all the way but in November 2017 Drew lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer aged only 61.

Hassia said: "Together we always supported charities locally, like the Ardgowan Hospice and Tommy.

"I think Drew would be proud of me for trying to help."

In a bid to raise as much money as possible she is hoping to raise money by auctioning Lisbon Lions memorabilia donated by Tommy.

Tommy says he will no longer be able to travel around the country to take part in charity runs or to do door to door collections after his car was written off when someone accidentally ran in to him in a car park.

Hassia added: "Tommy has worked tirelessly and he is a selfless man who only cares about giving.

"He is a wee sweetheart.

"Tommy is so worried that he can’t get to all his fund raising events because he has no car and I have had a great response so far."

Hassia is now hoping to wrap up the fundraising appeal by July 4 and get a car for Tommy so that he can continue with his work over the busy summer period.

To donate to the appeal or make a bid for the Lisbon Lions lot contact Hassia at Sovereign Jewellers on 01475 733003 or email hassiachalmers@aol.com or visit the shop's Facebook page.