A LIST MSP is calling on the government to step in to help Inverclyde parents who have lost out on money from cancelled school trips.

As the disrupted 2019-20 term ends, Labour's Neil Bibby says he wants action for struggling families who have lost out through no fault of their own after paying for trips up front.

The Tele recently highlighted how thousands of pounds had been lost after excursions were axed because of the coronavirus crisis.

Parents at Port Glasgow High have criticised decisions made by the council and say they have been hit in the pocket as a result.

Mr Bibby, a West of Scotland MSP, said: "Scottish Labour has called for families to be refunded for cancelled school trips amid warnings that many parents are still owed money.

"I have been contacted by worried parents who can’t reclaim the deposit they have paid for school trips.

“Some have put themselves into debt to make sure their children don’t miss out on a trip, and these families now desperately need this money.

“I know that travel companies are facing difficulties due to the pandemic, but it’s not acceptable to try to force schools to use the money to rebook trips for next year.

“The right thing to do in these uncertain times is for travel companies to fully refund schools.

Mr Bibby has written to Education Secretary John Swinney after he agreed to investigate the issue.

He says he has been contacted by parents looking for help.

Mr Bibby added: "The Scottish Government should investigate the legal position of schools in recovering deposits and work with the local authorities’ body COSLA to ensure guidance and advice is issued to schools.”