A GREENOCK high school has launched an annual scholarship to honour a much-loved late member of staff.

Notre Dame High has established the Gerry McHugh Scholarship in memory of the long-serving hugely popular maths teacher who tragically died of Covid-19 last year.

The award will support departing S6 pupils who reflect the school's values - which have been changed to reflect the dedication of the teaching stalwart - as they move into higher education.

The inaugural winners were Lori Dow, Aiden Burke and Aidan Docherty, who were chosen because of their 'outstanding embodiment' of the belief, perseverance and respect values throughout their time at the Dunlop Street secondary.

Lori, who is studying pharmacy at Strathclyde University, told the Tele: "I was very close to Mr McHugh and looked up to him a lot.

"He brought a lot to my time at Notre Dame, so being chosen as a winner of the scholarship means a lot to me."

The young people will be supported throughout the full length of their uni studies by the fund and the school will organise fundraising events throughout the year to replenish it as more departing students are supported.

Aiden, who is also at Strathclyde studying mechanical and electrical engineering, said: "Mr McHugh was an amazing teacher.

"We always joked about football and he'd always wind me up about our Manchester United and Manchester City rivalry.

"I will always think of him whenever I think about my school years."

Aidan, who is now studying cyber security at West College Scotland, added: "We all admired Mr McHugh.

"The scholarship is great and will help take a weight off our shoulders whilst studying."

Due to Covid-19 the school were unable to fundraise for the scholarship this year, so the fund was kindly kicked off by Gerry's family.

Gerard Gordon, acting principal teacher, added: "We are so privileged that we are able to keep Mr McHugh at the core of what we do in our school community.

"The scholarship is another way for us to ensure his legacy lives on.

"We are incredibly thankful to Gerry's cousin Eileen for kick-starting the fund.

"The young people are so deserving of this recognition - we are very proud of them all."