ELDERLY residents forced to isolate during the pandemic have paid an emotional visit to a local project who helped them cope with lockdown.

Those living in St Margaret's Court, Greenock, a sheltered housing complex run by Trust Housing Association, spent more than 15 months mostly shielding with limited access to visitors.

But when restrictions allowed, Belville Community Garden came to their rescue, offering sessions outside and helping them grow planters.

It proved a real lifeline to the outside world for many of the residents.

Now, with public health restrictions easing at last, they are also going along to Belville to take part in other activities.

St Margaret's residents group organiser George Glenny said: "It has been lovely to get out to Belville.

"They have been a great support to us and they have helped us in our garden.

"It really helped during lockdown to get outdoors.

"The community garden is great and they have helped us so much.

"This is the first time some of us have been to Belville."

George worked tirelessly to keep spirits up after the residents group were awarded funding to create their own garden before lockdown.

He was joined in the endeavour by green-fingered neighbours Isabel Rooney and Rina Keogh.

George said: "We also want to thank the St Margaret's staff for all their support and care for us.

"They are brilliant."

Belville's John McLennan reached out to many elderly residents, along with Age Concern, to deliver horticultural sessions.

Now St Margaret's Court seniors are visiting the gardens for clubs and various activities throughout the week.

The team at Belville are working closely with local care homes to fight social isolation and loneliness, particularly since the pandemic began.

They offer many activities including popular table top gardening.