A VOLUNTEER couple who have been helping to deliver over 20,000 meals for vulnerable people will have their hands full again when their surprise baby arrives.

Francis Quinn and Jayne Leck have been instrumental in the meals on wheels effort run from Branchton Community Centre during the coronavirus crisis.

Jayne, 36, said working at the centre was like having a second family - and soon she will have a new addition to her own, with the couple, who have been together 10 years, looking forward to becoming parents again in September.

Jayne said: "It's been a bit of a shock.

"I only found out a few weeks ago.

"I have an 18-year-old daughter and Francis has two daughters from previous relationships.

"This is our first child together.

"It will take a bit of getting used to after 18 years.

"It's our own little lockdown baby."

Francis added: "It was a surprise but I am delighted and really looking forward to the baby arriving."

The 45-year-old is related to Carol McEwan, who works at the community centre, and said he was happy to get on board with the recent relief effort.

He said: "I told Carol if they needed drivers to give me a shout as I was a taxi driver for 20 years.

"I did a bit of driving then I put all the runs in order from the first drop off until the last.

"I also did an online course and started preparing the food and anything that goes with working in the kitchen.

"It started off with 100 meals and went up to 450 a day.

"It's been an eye-opener - you don't realise the number of people and elderly folk who are in need, and they were really thankful for it."

Jayne says it has been a true team effort at the centre and one she is very proud to be part of.

She told the Tele: "Over the last 16 weeks everyone has pulled together to help everyone in Inverclyde, from Wemyss Bay to Port Glasgow.

"I feel quite sad that it's coming to an end."

Jayne, who previously worked two days a week at a Kilmacolm bakery before being furloughed, wanted to volunteer along with Francis and says the meals service epitomises everything that is good about our area.

She said: "People in Inverclyde look after our own.

"I don't think you would get something like this anywhere else in the world."