A LIFESAVING community organisation which uses traditional skilled pursuits to alleviate loneliness has clinched a national honour.

Inverclyde Shed has been named Scottish Men's Shed of the Year by the Scottish Men's Sheds Association.

The local team received 573 of the 1,579 votes cast in the close-run contest.

They fought off Garnock Valley Men’s Shed, who were a close second with 511 votes, while 495 people voted for Kinross & District Men’s Shed.

Chairman of the shed, Bruce Newlands, says everyone is very proud to have lifted the title.

Bruce said: "This is a huge vote of confidence in the fact that there are really good people doing some really great things here in Inverclyde.

"We plan to really maximise the potential of this opportunity to further promote ourselves in the community, and with funders, to expand our offering and attract more men along to our sheds."

Bruce and the team received a £100 voucher from Axminster Tools and Machinery and will also be presented with the trophy by last year's winners, Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed, in the near future.

They also received a cash prize from the Scottish Men's Sheds Association plus a free or discounted woodwork training day.

Inverclyde Shed, formally constituted in January 2018, offers a safe place for men to make friends, learn new skills and mentor others.

Members have a base in Captain Street and another on Shore Street in Gourock, and they've taken on premises in East Blackhall Street which are yet to be unveiled.

The dedicated team also runs a community garden in Shore Street.

There are currently 45 active voting members and almost 500 associate members on the books.

Bruce says that members have been inspired by the work of other sheds across Scotland.

He added: "We've been encouraged and supported by other sheds to implement activities and ideas that have worked for them.

"We invested in a 3D printer after hearing about Kinross and District creating face visors for frontline workers and we launched a carving club after hearing about the success of the modellers club at Garnock Valley.

"This award showcases the great work being carried out by sheds across Scotland.

"We can share knowledge and ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of the men in our communities."