A CRAFTY Greenock couple have been making protective masks to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Megan Irene Scott and partner Chloe Farmer are producing reusable face coverings to raise money for a final resting place for Megan's late grandfather John's ashes.

Originally from Somerset, Megan moved to Greenock 18 months ago to live with Chloe and due to lockdown she hasn't been able to visit her family back home since February.

The caring 22-year-olds decided to craft the masks and donate the money raised to Megan's grandmother, Rene Scott, as a way to help her from afar while they cannot be together during the coronavirus outbreak.

Megan said: "We were trying to think of a way to raise money for a resting place for my grandfather's ashes, but knew it might be hard with circumstances.

"I studied textiles in school and have a sewing machine, so with everything going on we thought it would be a good idea to make masks - as everyone needs them at the moment.

"We wanted to make sure they were really good quality and people could wash and reuse them.

"We have used strong fabric and added nose strips to make them more comfortable."

Megan, a carer, has been working throughout the pandemic so she has experienced the impact of the virus.

Chloe should have been graduating with an honours degree in psychology from Glasgow Caledonian University, with her studies affected.

The big-hearted duo say making masks has offered them a good distraction - and Megan's gran enjoys calling them to check how they are doing.

Megan told the Tele: "Every day my nana calls to see how we are doing.

"It's nice we can keep her updated despite being so far apart.

"It has been difficult not seeing family, but knowing we are doing something that will help them has really kept us going."

So far, the couple have raised about £400 for the cause and are delighted with the support they have received in the community.

Megan added: "Father Andrew Coleman at St Laurence's Church ordered 40 masks for parishioners to make use of in private prayer.

"It's great that we are able to provide something useful at a time when they are becoming a mandatory part of life."

Megan and Chloe are asking for a minimum donation of £3 for masks, which are available in a variety of fabric designs in both adult and children's sizes.

To order one, contact either of them via Facebook.