EMERGENCY service workers are being invited to take their breaks at a Greenock care home.

Paramedics, police, firefighters, Coastguard workers and anyone else in the 999 field can stop off at Balclutha Court Care Home where staff will serve up free cuppas and cakes to keep them going on the road.

The home is also giving out travel mugs which they can fill up for the workers if they don't have time to stop for long.

Paramedic Graeme Findlay, whose wife Rhona works as an administrator at the home, thinks it is a wonderful idea.

He said: "It's nice to know we have somewhere to go.

"Our job can be very demanding, it's busier now than it has ever been.

"Sometimes we don't get the chance to stop so it's good to know we can pop in any time for a cup of tea to give us a wee boost of energy when we're busy."

His wife Rhona added: "I think this is a really nice way to give something back.

"Sometimes these guys don't get the chance to stop for a break so even if they want to stop by and pick something up we can help.

"They deserve a break as they work so hard."

Murray Forbes, who is the watch manager at Greenock Fire Station, says having somewhere to re-fuel on the road also builds relationships.

He said: "It's a good opportunity to meet the other emergency services outside of emergency situations.

"It also allows us to engage with the community."

Annie Patterson and Isabella MacFarlane, who live in the care home, feel emergency workers deserve to be looked after while they're out saving lives.

Annie said: "It'll be good to meet them when they come in."

Alison Dickson, who manages the home, says everyone at Balclutha wants to give something back to the emergency service personnel who go above and beyond in the community.

She said: "They provide an invaluable service and are so hard working.

"They are always fun when they come in, the residents enjoy meeting them.

"They they can pop in any time for a tea or coffee.

"Even if they don't have much time, we can have their tea ready for them if they phone ahead."

Gerarde Thomson, chef at the home, says he's only too happy to serve up refreshments for the workers.

He said: "I think this is a brilliant idea.

"Most of the residents sit at the front of the home too, so it will give them somebody to blether to when they come in."