THOUGHTFUL Inverclyde football star Greg Taylor said it's a 'massive honour' to be named as Ardgowan Hospice's new ambassador.

The caring 22-year-old from Gourock, who plays for both Scotland and Celtic, visited the facility to reveal the news and spend some time with patients.

Greg, a former Clydeview Academy pupil, said: "It's a massive honour.

"When they asked me to be an ambassador I was really taken aback, I didn't expect it but I'm more than happy to take on the role.

"I think anyone you speak to is grateful for the care that the hospice provides - it's a special place.

"The work they do is great, especially the volunteers and the people who offer their spare time."

Hospice patients Tommy McGhee, 55, and Gordon Brown, 69, were thrilled to meet Greg during his visit.

Tommy, from Greenock, said: "It's brilliant to see someone like Greg take up the role."

Gordon, who hails from Gibshill in Greenock and now lives in Port Glasgow, said: "It's fantastic as Greg is a local boy who has made good.

"The hospice is a great place, all the staff, from the cleaners right through to the doctors, all take the time to speak to you.

"They are absolutely brilliant, every one of them."

Greg says his nanny Rose, mum Fiona, dad Hugh and younger brother Ally, 18, who plays for Kilmarnock Football Club, are all big hospice supporters.

He said: "My mum has done a few 10ks for the hospice and my nanny has always been a hospice supporter through her bingo group."

Greg hopes to attend the Ardgowan Hospice Ball on March 7.

In his role as hospice ambassador, Greg will also be leading the Active for Ardgowan campaign to encourage people to raise money by taking on sporting challenges.

Linda Kelly, head of corporate development at the hospice, says they are grateful to Greg for his support.

She said: "We are delighted to welcome him on board.

"He's been really positive in supporting the hospice and he'll bring a fresh perspective."