TALENTED schoolchildren sang their hearts out at the first event of the 95th Inverclyde Music Festival competition.

Greenock Town Hall came alive with the beautiful voices of the P1 pupils from St Francis' Primary, Gourock Primary, Whinhill Primary and Aileymill Primary.

They took to the stage to perform at the Singing Games Spectacular contest and Aileymill claimed the IBM trophy.

Head teacher Catriona Miller described the pupils as a credit to the school, their parents and the local community.

She said: "We are absolutely over-the-moon.

"They were very good when they were rehearsing - they were so organised.

"The children are all so proud to be taking part.

"It's a really lovely experience for them."

Ruby McCue and Millie McKay, both five, enjoyed representing Whinhill Primary in the contest.

Ruby said: "I'm so excited I've been singing every day."

Millie added: "I like it because I want to be a singer when I'm older."

Whinhill teachers Christine Dougan and Jaclyn Cooke told the Tele that the festival is a great confidence booster for the children.

Mrs Dougan said: "It's a great experience for them and allows the children and parents to come together as a community, which is great.

"The parents always look forward to it."

Mrs Cooke added: "It increases their confidence and their performance skills."

The full music festival officially opened today at 9.30am.

Entry to the festival, which is organised by volunteers, costs £3 and £2 for concessions.

A season ticket is available for £20, which includes entry to the grand finale concert on February 1 at the town hall.

All the money raised from tickets goes towards the running costs of the festival, which are about £25,000 a year.