A CHARITY forced to cancel holidays for hundreds of disadvantaged children during the coronavirus crisis is planning a week of outdoor activities to make up for the blow.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde had booked week-long breaks to holiday parks for dozens of local families over the school holidays.

But in the face of the pandemic wrecking those plans, they are now organising a socially-distanced event in the Battery Park instead.

Founder Pat Burke and his team have been awarded funding for the event.

Pat said: "There are difficult times ahead for families in Inverclyde and our charity.

"But we are delighted with the continued support in the community.

"We want to organise a week of outdoor activities to give children something to look forward to.

"We would have been sending children on much needed holidays with parents.

"But we still want to give something back.

"We will look at sports day races, football, whatever we can pull together.

"In particular we want to help families who have had limited garden access in recent months.

"It has been challenging and depressing for parents."

Inverclyde Community Fund has handed the charity £500 to help.

Pat said: "We are delighted with the award.

"It is very commendable that grants are available from the Inverclyde Community Fund to smaller charities and groups, which are invaluable."

During the lockdown Children in Poverty has stepped up to help the community relief response to the coronavirus.

They recently sent out fruit and veg boxes to families in the east end of Greenock.

The charity is looking for support from other groups to help them put on the activity day, which trustee John McGovern, pictured, is also helping to plan.

To get in touch visit www.childreninpovertyinverclyde.org.uk