FERGUSON Marine apprentices have donated some of their first Christmas wage to families struggling on their doorsteps.

First year apprentices from the firm who are studying at West College Scotland came together to support a local toy appeal.

The 25-strong group, who have placements at the Finnart Street campus, wanted to help children in their own community.

They handed over hundreds of pounds worth of toys to a festive appeal run by Port man Mark Wilson.

Lewis Emerson, 21, also from Port Glasgow, said: "I know how privileged we are to get on the apprenticeship programme.

"But we know there are people who do not have jobs and we wanted to show our support for them.

"We hope this will help families in our own town this Christmas."

Fellow apprentice Graeme Stevenson, 23, added: "We know how important the shipyard is in the town and it employs a lot of people.

"If it wasn't there more people could be in need to help."

Ferguson Marine have strong links with West College Scotland and recently moved their apprentice programme to the Greenock campus.

The apprentices are trained in welding and fabrication, skills which can then be transferred into the yard.

Their Christmas donations totalled over £500, with B&M in Greenock stepping in to help as well.

Engineering lecturer Darren Connelly said: “The idea originated completely from the apprentices themselves.

"They realise that they are in a privileged position gaining employment with a major employer in the Inverclyde area, so they decided to give back what they can to the community that has served them so well.”

After hearing about the apprentices' generosity bosses at the yard were keen to support their efforts.

Ferguson Marine turnaround director Tim Hair added: "What these young people have done, on their own initiative, is inspiring and Ferguson will donate £200 from the company to support their efforts.

"This has been an extremely challenging year for everyone and it is reassuring to see such kindness in our apprentices.

"They continue to impress us with their commitment to learning their trades, and this act of festive goodwill continues the long tradition of charitable giving by Ferguson employees.

"Their efforts mean more children in the local community will experience the joy and fun of Christmas.”