PUPILS at four schools in Inverclyde have helped local organisations secure a funding boost of £12,000.

Secondary students at Inverclyde Academy, Notre Dame High, Port Glasgow High and St Columba's High in Gourock are involved in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

As part of the initiative, managed and funded by the Wood Foundation, the young people identified social issues which affect the local community and the charities which help to address them.

Pupils then did presentations on their chosen charities in a bid to secure £3,000 grants.

Inverclyde Academy pupils decided on the local Women's Aid branch as their charity and money from Notre Dame will go to St Margaret's Children and Family Care Society.

Students at Port High School also picked Women's Aid and the team at St Columba's will support Inverclyde Recovery Café.

Ali MacLachlan, UK director at the Wood Foundation, said the team were 'blown away' by many of this year's presentations.

She said: "We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment shown by schools and students to ensure this important learning and funding opportunity continued with such vigour despite the challenges of Covid-19."