Youth organisation has defied the coronavirus crisis to continue giving locals a creative outlet

The 6 Foot Lab initiative, run by Ewa and Pawel Jakubowski, started as a project to provide young people with a safe place to go.

But due to a change in circumstances they are now without a permanent home.

Despite the setbacks, the group successfully applied to the Inverclyde Community Fund for a £500 grant and used the funds to give 11 local young adults aged between 16 and 24 art supplies, such as paints, canvases and sprays to ensure they're kept busy while they cannot meet.

Ewa said: "This is an excellent amount of money that we're so pleased to receive.

"It meant we were able to make up packs for the members depending on what their needs and interests are.

"Some of our members wanted to learn how to spray paint so we purchased that, while others have enjoyed painting bits of driftwood, such as a whale statue which they are so proud of.

"The money has allowed us to continue our work even while we cannot get together.

"It's the right thing at the right time."

While the group enjoyed woodwork and electromechanical projects while based at their old premises, they spent their summer looking after bees at Greenock Cut.

They received a £5,000 National Lottery Community Fund grant back in June which allowed them to establish a Young Beekeepers Association.

Pupils at Notre Dame High have been involved in the project and the Lab are also in talks with a Port school about coming on board.

The group have big plans for 2021 - including hopefully their own art exhibition at the Beacon Arts Centre and potentially looking to secure their own premises.

Ewa's husband, Pawel, told the Tele: "We are working to secure a space where we can meet up and resume activities when it is safe to do so.

"We are also in talks with the Beacon at displaying all of the work members of the group have made.

"It's an exciting time for us and we're looking forward to seeing what next year brings."

To keep up to date with the work of the group or to find out more information about joining, visit www.6footlab.co.uk