A GREENOCK woman with disabilities is encouraging other young people to vote.

Campaigner Claire Forde, who is registered blind is joining the RNIB to back the 'Welcome to Your Vote Week'.

She hopes first time voters will have their say at the upcoming council elections.

Award winner Claire said: "I'm urging blind and partially sighted people to cast their vote in the up and coming elections.

"As someone who's voted in the Scottish and UK elections, I believe it's vital that blind and partially sighted people make their voice heard.

"As a seldom heard group in society, you could be making a difference, for not just yourselves but for other people's lives and more importantly, changing other people's lives.

Claire herself was an elected Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, and an active supporter of sight loss charity RNIB Scotland's 'Haggeye' youth forum, which is keen to help spread the word.

Elections for Scotland's 32 local authorities take place on Thursday, May 5th this year.