A LOCAL Scouting group have come up with a crafty way to honour the fallen and help surviving veterans.

The 5th Greenock & District Scouts are fundraising for the Scottish Poppy Appeal by selling Paracord rope poppies.

The initiative was launched by leader Calum Rennie, 35, and members of the cubs and scouts soon joined in to help.

The group - the oldest Scouting organisation in the area - have already had over 100 orders for the creative poppies as Remembrance Sunday approaches.

The Greenock man, who works in the Morrisons store on Rue End Street, said: "I like to see what I can make out of Paracord, I've made various bits and pieces so thought I would give poppies a go.

"My wife Ashley is also a Scout leader and we've been making them together, but now the leaders of other sections have got on board and the young people are getting involved.

"It has snowballed and we're really glad we can help the charity."

Calum and Ashley have been leaders at the 5th Scouts for a year and their daughters - five-year-old Paige, and Bethany, who is 12 - attend the group.

Sadly the group's meetings have been delayed after the recent break-in at their base at Westburn Church in Greenock but they have kept in contact online and have been able to meet up outdoors to continue their charitable work.

Local councillor Graeme Brooks, who is the area organiser for Poppy Scotland, says everyone involved deserves credit.

He said: "As the area organiser for Poppy Scotland I’m delighted with the initiative from the 5th Greenock & District Scout Group.

"Their 'rope' poppies bring together the traditions of the Scouting movement and the value of supporting our armed forces communities and their families.

"With young leaders like Calum, both the Scouts and Inverclyde have bright prospects.

"Having many youth organisations involved in this year’s Poppy Appeal brings a positive future for Poppy Scotland as a new generation engages with supporting our armed forces communities."

As well as making poppies, the group are also appealing for used stamps as part of a fundraising initiative for the RNIB.

If you would like to purchase a poppy or donate stamps, email calum.5thgreenockanddistrict@gmail.com