A GREENOCK youngster and her great-grandfather were on 'cloud nine' as they celebrated birthdays in the same week.

Little Sophie Taylor turned nine on Tuesday just days before her great-grandfather Paddy Bonnar celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday.

The former shipyard welder, who is dad to Patrick, Kenny, Margaret and Ruth, was joined by family members as he and his great-granddaughter celebrated the milestones and blew out their candles in tandem.

Paddy, who tragically lost his partner Mary Williams three years ago, says spending the day with some of his children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren made it a 'birthday to remember'.

He told the Tele: "It has been nice to spend time with my family and share my birthday week of celebrations with Sophie.

"Some of my family are in America, so I will be able to send over copies of the Tele for them to show that everyone in Inverclyde got to join in the celebrations through the paper's pages."

Paddy says his secret to reaching the milestone has been 'looking after himself well' and a love of dancing.

He continued: "Before Mary passed away we were always on the dancefloor. We went to the Navy Club events quite regularly, but also travelled about to wee nights elsewhere.

"It's what has kept me alive.

"I also stopped drinking and smoking about 40 years ago which was hard but it gave me a new lease of life.

"Age is only a number in my book and I hope to see plenty more birthdays yet."

Aileymill Primary pupil Sophie says she was delighted to celebrate her big day with her great-grandfather.

Sophie added: "I got some really nice presents and got to see my family, which was the best gift of all.

"It was nice to spend the day with my great-granda and everyone else."