A STAGGERING 100 sets of twins are now in class at schools across Inverclyde after 16 more pairs were welcomed for the start of the 2019 term.

Provost of 'Twinverclyde', Martin Brennan, welcomed most of the new intake of 'similar siblings', who joined hundreds of youngsters from across the district in beginning primary one this morning.

A whopping 16 sets - just three short of the local record set in 2015 - have started school today.

It now takes the twin count to 100 across the district between P1-7.

Provost Brennan said: "I'm sure all our new-starts will have a huge amount of fun over the coming years in the excellent education environment that is on offer in Inverclyde.

"And 'new' is very much the operative word. Every school in Inverclyde has been, or is being, totally rebuilt or refurbished as part of the council's impressive £270 million investment in its schools estate.

"As a former teacher, I'm particularly pleased to be able to welcome them as they prepare to join their new classmates in their new schools."

Fifteen of the 16 sets of twins were represented at the annual council photocall, which took place in the newly-refurbished district court room within the Greenock Municipal Buildings.

Four of the cute duos are from Newark in Port Glasgow alone.

Twins are also starting in Greenock primaries Aileymill, All Saints, Ardgowan, Lady Alice, St Andrew's and Whinhill, a set each in Gourock Primary and St Ninian's, as well as a pair apiece in Kilmacolm and Wemyss Bay primaries.

The 16 sets is a big jump on the five pairs who started school 12 months ago.

The rate of multiple births in 2014 - when most of the current new-starts were born - is 47 per cent higher than the Scottish average.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of education and communities, said: "The twins who start school today will be joining hundreds of other five-year-olds in an education service that is going from strength to strength.

"We're recognised leaders in terms of closing the attainment gap between poorer children and their better off classmates. And while sitting formal exams are a long way off for these children, we're confident that they have a rosy future ahead of them."

Among the new-starts were sisters Emie and Harper Diamond, who are off to Lady Alice.

Emie, who is four minutes older, said: "I'm looking forward to making new friends - and playing football."

Kairean Reid is mum to Summer and Daisy Law, who are one of four sets of twins starting at Newark.

She said: "It's going to be a bit different for them but they're ready and they're very clever girls.

"They're really excited."