A POLICE officer from Greenock is ready to take a bite at the big apple as she runs the New York City Marathon.

Constable Kirsty Boyd, liaison officer for schools and residential units in Inverclyde, will fly to the US to take part in Sunday's race.

Ahead of the gruelling 26.2 mile race, PC Boyd, who is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, was put through her paces by the P7 pupils at Whinhill Primary.

They organised a special training session for Kirsty on Monday morning, coaching her through stretches, laps of the school hall and a cool down.

PC Boyd, 48, said: "I'm chuffed to bits by all the support I've received from Inverclyde - this place is second to none.

"The kids and the staff and my colleagues and members of the public have been so enthusiastic, it's really helped my training.

"I'm just the runner, it's everybody else supporting me who deserve the recognition."

The pupils put Kirsty through a tough training session which featured exercises such as burpees, sit ups and star jumps followed by laps of the school hall.

They also gave her lots of advice and encouragement ahead of the big day.

PC Boyd, a mum-of-two, said it was a sleepless night which inspired her to take on the marathon.

She said: "I had got up in the middle of the night and went downstairs to make a cup of tea.

"It was then that I got the idea to complete the Glasgow Women's 10k but when I looked online, I realised that it wasn't taking place this year so stupidly I thought I'd do the New York Marathon instead.

"I'm very nervous now but nervous in a good way.

"I'm looking forward to the experience."

PC Boyd, who completed the London Marathon last year, has decided to raised money for Macmillan, a cause which is close to her heart.

She added: "I have had friends and family affected by cancer so I wanted to do something to give back to the charity."

During the run, PC Boyd will stand out from the 50,000-strong field by wearing a mini kilt and saltire hat.

Whinhill pupil Paul Docherty, 10, said: "I think she'll do amazingly well."

Caroline Homer, P7 teacher, said her whole class was proud to support PC Boyd.

She said: "Kirsty is such a great support for our school and the community, so P7 planned a training regime to make sure she's ready for the marathon.

"The children planned out the training sessions and each of them led a different part.."

PC Boyd is also keen to thank the staff and children at Lady Alice Primary who have also been supporting her regime.

She said: "I go to the breakfast club at the school and get cereal, toast and a cup of coffee which fuels me up before my big run."

She also praised her work colleagues for their backing, as well as her family and friends and local businesses for their support.

So far PC Boyd has raised over £1,000 which brings her closer to her £2,500 target.

Anyone who would like to sponsor her can do so online by going to the Virgin Money Giving website and searching Kirsten Boyd.