A GOUROCK school celebrated new beginnings by planting new Rowan trees in the grounds.

St Ninian's Primary's P6 eco-group were keen to dig deep to help preserve the planet for future generations.

They got their hands dirty with the outdoor task as they celebrated the return to school.

Pupils were assisted by volunteers from local horticulture organisation In-work, who were on hand to give them some planting tips, and janitor Graham Murray.

Jessica Kershaw said: "If we plant these trees they will be here for our children.

"It's about the future generation."

Depute head teacher Siobhan Currie said the school chose Rowan trees - donated by Holmes Miller architects - as it is believed they bring good fortune.

She says it is a lovely feeling to have all the pupils back at school.

Mrs Currie said: "The school has a calm atmosphere and the pupils are so happy to be back with their friends.

"I think they all appreciate what they have missed and the interaction with their teachers and all their friends."

In-work is a social enterprise and provides training, voluntary and work-related opportunities in landscaping, ground maintenance, horticulture, office administration and catering to people who have experienced mental health issues.

John Boyd, gardener with In-work, said: "We have been helping the children to plant trees here at St Ninian's and at St Patrick's and Glenpark Early Learning Centre too.

"We are run by Inverclyde Association for Mental Health and our trainees get the chance to learn new skills."

Volunteer Amber Wood, from Greenock, said: "This has been a different experience working with schools and a good opportunity to encourage young people to get into gardening."

Diane McGranaghan, chief executive of Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, said: "We are delighted for our volunteers and staff at In-work to be involved with the tree planting at St Ninian's, St Patrick's and Glenpark as part of our community activity.

"We planted 60 similar trees on our site at The Broomhill Hub last year ago with the children from the Wellpark Nursery.

"I'm sure by now almost everyone is aware of how important trees are to the environment, but also because the pandemic has shown just how important nature is to our lives."