AN Inverclyde mechanic has engineered an idea to assist the area's much-loved hospice.

Stewart Livingston, the owner of local business Engine Clean, is fundraising throughout this month for Ardgowan Hospice after being inspired by a chat with one of the charity's stalwarts.

The mechanic of 35 years recently moved to the Braeside area from Barrhead and he purchased Ardgowan Hospice fundraising officer Elaine McNeill's home.

After finding out more about the hospice through Elaine, the kind-hearted businessman pledged to donate £10 from every engine remapping and carbon cleaning appointment booked during May towards the good cause.

Stewart, who moved to the area with wife Ruth after she took early retirement, said: "I was having a conversation with Elaine about how I wanted to do something for a local charity and she was telling me all about her work with Ardgowan Hospice.

"They are a great local charity and I'm only too happy to support them.

"As well as a donation from every booking I carry out in May, I'll honour the donation too for any booking made throughout the month for later on in the year."

The couple moved to Inverclyde in October as Ruth, who was a civil servant before taking early retirement, originally hails from this area.

Stewart hopes his charity initiative will hit top gear and prove a money-spinner for Ardgowan.

He said: "Last month I had 24 bookings, so I'm hoping for the same or better to allow me to make a decent donation."

Hospice fundraiser Elaine added: "From what started just as a simple conversation when I was collecting my mail to now hearing Stewart has decided to fundraise for us is just amazing.

"To do something so kind having only just moved to the area is so appreciated by us all.

"We wish him the best of luck in his fundraising."

You can book with Stewart by emailing greenock@engine-clean.co.uk or calling 07960614513.