A CELEBRATION of the south west of Greenock proved a big success as people flocked to Inverclyde Academy to have fun and give their views on their neighbourhood.

The family-friendly event at the school offered inflatables, face painting and balloon modelling for the children and a host of what's-on information for their parents.

There were also visits from the police and fire brigade.

The aim of the get-together was to celebrate the good things in the area and to look at ways to make things better.

Willie Wilson, who organised it, said: "We had a fantastic turnout.

Over 500 people signed in.

"We looked at how to get as many families as we could along to the event, then once we got them there we would ask them how they want to shape their future.

"We spent £1,000 on inflatables and on a lot of things for kids to do."

Willie says the event was linked to the Scottish Government's drive to get communities involved in what's happening in their local area.

Inverclyde Council, community planning partnership Inverclyde Alliance and local agencies are involved.

Willie said: "The event was hugely successful.

"We put up a board and by the end it was covered with lots of comments from people about what they like and didn't like about their area and how it could be improved in the future."

All the agencies involved will now collate the information gathered and use it to help with future public planning.

Engagement groups will be set up as part of that process and it' hoped another event will be held before or after Christmas.