A DELIGHTFUL dozen sets of twins are getting ready to take Inverclyde schools by storm as they start primary one.

The terrific twosomes of local siblings will begin classes on Thursday - taking the local twin count to 84 sets enrolled in primaries across the area.

The class of 2022 gathered at Ardgowan Primary for a dress rehearsal and were wished well by Provost Drew McKenzie as they get ready for their new chapter.

Parents Stephanie and Neil McLeod, whose five-year-olds Ailie and Harry are heading for the Newton Street school, say they can't believe they have reached that stage already.

Stephanie said: "It is crazy how fast it has gone, five years have just disappeared before our eyes.

"Getting to put their uniforms on and come to their school was great, it was like a dress rehearsal.

"They're both really excited to start."

The area, which has been dubbed 'Twinverclyde' for its high rate of twins, has had 130 pairs of similar siblings start at local schools in the last 10 years.

Pamela McIntosh, mum to Newark Primary newcomers Harper and Darcy Ross (pictured) said: "Everyone knows what 'Twinverclyde' is, it's something that grandparents who get the Tele always mention.

"They are excited to now be in school with their big brother Corey - it's great to know he's there to look out for them."

Little Luke and Leanna Mccairn (pictured) are heading for All Saints on Thursday.

Mum Danielle Leonard said: It's hard to believe they're off to school.

"It was lovely getting to meet all the other twins their age in the area."

On hand for the annual photocall - which was missing two sets of twins - was Provost McKenzie, who says the youngsters are 'very lucky' to be heading to school in Inverclyde.

He said: "Nobody seems to know why Inverclyde is a bit of a hotspot for twins but we have built up a reputation.

"It has become an annual tradition to welcome our twins and their parents along to one of our fantastic schools each year and you can feel the excitement for the start of the new term next week.

"It’s great to see them all looking resplendent in their school uniforms and excited to get started in their new schools and meet new friends and the school staff.

"We’re very lucky to have one of the best, if not the best, schools estate in the country here in Inverclyde so it’s always wonderful to show off the fantastic schools and nurseries we have thanks to significant investment by Inverclyde Council.

"I wish all our children and young people and all our staff well for the start of the new term on Thursday."

The full list of twins beginning school is: Penelope and Samuel Cameron-Sim (Aileymill Primary); Addison and Chloe McLardie (Aileymill Primary); Jacob and Noah Graham (All Saints Primary); Leanna and Luke Mccairn (All Saints Primary); Abby and Ruby Mclaughlan (Lady Alice Primary); Ailie and Harry McLeod (Ardgowan Primary); Maxwell and Ruby Williams (Whinhill Primary); Darcy and Harper Ross (Newark Primary); Luther Eli Thomas and Sonny James Thaddeus McClafferty (St Mary's Primary); Tye Anderson (Craigmarloch School) and Ivy Anderson (St Patrick's Primary) and - not available for the photocall - Calvin and Luca Sinclair (Kilmacolm Primary) and Lewis and Nuala Shields (St Ninian's Primary).