AN aspiring actor from Port Glasgow has launched a new clothing business to fundraise for dog rescues in memory of his much-loved family pet.

After 20-year-old Max McVey lost his beloved Staffie, Hogan, he wanted to find a way to honour him - and give other dogs in shelters the chance of a good life.

Along with help from his family - mum Barbara, grandfather Neil and cousin Morgan - he has built 'HoganRox', a clothing brand where a percentage of the profits are donated to animal charities and dog rescues across Scotland.

Max, who is studying acting at Raindance in London, used his new-found time during lockdown to expand on the brand and now he's preparing to host his first 'pop-up shop' on a bustling Gourock town centre street.

The actor turned entrepreneur told the Tele: "When Hogan passed away, we wanted to do something to commemorate his life as he was such a big part of our family.

"We had thought about rescuing another Staffie, however because we've another dog we weren't able to do so.

"Instead, I had the idea to start the clothing brand using Hogan's paw print as the logo, and to donate a percentage of the profits to animal charities to give other dogs like Hogan the chance.

"Staffies sometimes get a bad reputation, so as well as being a clothing business we're hoping to raise better awareness of the breed."

All designs are made to order at Max's home studio and he's managed to create an array of products including hats, hoodies and Halloween cuddle cushions.

The creative Portonian has also made spin-off products such as sweatshirts and baseball caps and HoganRox will be at the McGilp's pop-up shop on Kempock Street from in mid-November.

Max hopes to return to London to continue his studies before eventually moving to New York to pursue an acting career.

But his mum Barbara wanted him to have a project at home for some extra income.

The 40-year-old said: "Max had the idea to create the brand in memory of Hogan and since our launch it's been a real family effort to get everything up and running.

"His grandfather helped him get started by buying equipment, his cousin Morgan has been running our social media accounts and I've been wearing items and promoting the brand.

"It's a great thing and kept him busy during lockdown while he wasn't able to be in London with Raindance.

"We're all looking forward to the very first pop-up shop and hope locally we get a good backing as it's all great quality products in aid of a good cause."