Kind congregation members collected car loads of groceries for Inverclyde Foodbank

The Inverkip Church outreach group took donations over a three week period after seeing an appeal in the Tele.

Volunteers worked in shifts to take delivery of the items and Jean Benson, a member of the outreach group, says she is 'really pleased' with the generosity shown by residents.

The churchgoer told the Tele: "Every month we usually choose a different charity to fundraise for, but with the church being closed we decided this would be a great way to come together.

"We read in the Greenock Telegraph that the foodbank required donations, so decided between us to work out a rota and hold the collection every week.

"It hasn't just been those who attend the church who come along, it's been people from all over the village.

"We have had a great response."

Tinned fruit, tea bags, pasta, coffee and biscuits made up the bulk of the groceries and many individuals also made cash donations to the cause.

Jean, who has been a member of the church for around 60 years, said: "As well as collecting about 40 bags of physical donations, we also made about £100.

"Even people who attend the church but are shielding have been involved, they just call and someone goes to pick the donations up."

As well as the Inverkip push, Reverend Archie Speirs has also orchestrated collections at the sister parish in Skelmorlie.

Jean added: "We want to thank everyone who has supported the collection.

"We have loved seeing how it has brought people together."

With lockdown restrictions easing, members of the church are now looking forward to being able to attend private prayer twice a week within the church on Langhouse Road.

Throughout lockdown, Rev. Speirs has been delivering an online service each week and DVDs were delivered to those without internet access.