AN INVALUABLE member of the Greenock police family has told of the 'overwhelming' moment he learned he was to be nationally recognised for his contribution to the service.

George McLeary — known as 'Gentleman George' at the town's police office — has been an outstanding custody and support officer for nearly 30 years.

But it was for his work in overseeing the refurbishment of the prisoner holding unit, whilst ensuring that the station continued to operate effectively, that has given cause for special 'cell-ebration'.

George, 64 — who is also deeply involved with the Royal Navy Reserves and Sea Cadets locally — became a virtual project manager for the 11-weeks of intensive upgrading work.

He said: "It grew arms and legs and became a big responsible job. The logistics of it were massive.

"In the whole of Scotland I was one of three people to be given this recognition for outstanding work.

"I was called to Tulliallan and called out by senior management of custody and presented with this.

"It was a very proud moment for me.

"I didn't know I'd been nominated for it and then I got an email to say that I was to attend.

"I was overwhelmed because I'm coming to the end of my career.

"I've put 29 years into the job and to finally get this was the icing on the cake."

George — who is set to retire on his 65th birthday on June 4 — is now back to his usual job of caring for and looking after the array of prisoners who go through Greenock's modernised 57-cell custody suite.

He said: "The care and welfare of prisoners is the most important thing and we look after them in the proper way."

Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly said: "George has been part of the fabric of this building for almost 30 years, has enjoyed a fantastic and unblemished career and is just a real friend to everybody.

"I just think that he's an absolutely wonderful man.

"He more or less made sure that Greenock police station didn't come to an absolute standstill because we had to keep it running.

"You have to protect the integrity of the building, the information within the building and George in his very quiet and pragmatic way just managed to get that done and I just couldn't allow him to retire without that recognition."