GOUROCK Garden Party made a glorious comeback as the town came together again within the Walled Gardens for the first time in three years.

Thousand flocked to the park to bask in the sunshine and join in the festivities during an action packed afternoon of celebrations.

Organisers pulled out all the stops to make sure Inverclyde's longest running community returned better than ever before.

The garden party has suffered some setbacks in recent years with funding cuts and then the pandemic.

But that was all put behind them as local youth organisations, schools, community choirs and musicians brought it back to life.

Councillor Lynne Quinn, said: "This year's garden party was about getting folk together again and celebrating Gourock and our community.

"We all missed the event over the last two years, so it was so important to bring the town back together again.

"It is the longest running community event and it was vital we showed that it has a future.

"This is not only a community event but it is also an important day for charities too, with thousands of pounds raised on the day at the stalls."

The district is bursting with musical talent and that was on show throughout the afternoon.

Lockdown favourites Reely Jiggered played the bandstand amphitheatre with the Clydeside Singers and Brass Sounds Inverclyde also performing.

One of the biggest cheers of the day was saved for the wonderful Moorfoot Primary School choir who entertained the crowds.

There was also the traditional crowning of the new queen Amber Kirkpatrick, of Moorfoot, by former queen Emma Kane, as well as a poetry competition - with the winners named as Ollie Kerr of St Ninian's Primary and the adult prize going to Lorna Veal.

Gourock life coach and inspirational speaker Marion Morrison was MC for the day and kept the party going.

But once again the youth organisations were the stars of the show with the 1st Gourock Scouts, the 2nd Gourock Boys' Brigade and the 27th Girl Guides all playing a key role.

The local scouts stepped in to help set up the tents and stalls, the BB lads manned the gates and the Girl Guides ran the tea bar.

Cllr Quinn said: "I would like to especially thank Reverend Teri Peterson for all her help and Marion our MC who was fantastic throughout the day and George Irvine, who ran the garden party for 35 years."

Former town councillor Jim Hunter, who helps organise the garden party awards, was also delighted by the event.

He said: "It was absolutely wonderful, we had visitors there from all over the world as well as local people.

"I think Councillor Quinn deserves recognition for all her efforts."