A FAB five of new teachers are returning to their old schools in Inverclyde to begin their careers.

The quintet of graduates are thrilled to have landed teaching roles at the places they attended as pupils.

David Foster is going to Clydeview Academy, Rachel McDaid to Ardgowan Primary, Hannah Castle to St Francis' Primary, Simon McGinlay to Inverclyde Academy and Jenna Gillespie to Notre Dame High.

Rachael, 23, who will be P5 teacher at Ardgowan, said walking back into the school felt strange but she was immediately reminded of the friendly atmosphere she fondly remembered.

Rachael, who lives in Greenock, added: "Everyone was so welcoming and I remember it being like that when I was a pupil.

"It's really strange seeing all the old classrooms and seeing a lot of the staff again.

"The teachers are all really happy to see me back, which is lovely."

Rachael graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

When she did some volunteering at Craigmarloch in her third year at university, she was encouraged by one of the teachers to pursue a postgraduate course.

Rachael applied for the diploma in education at the University of Glasgow and loved every minute of it.

She added: "I haven't looked back since, I loved it.

"It feels like I've come full-circle being back at Ardgowan and I can't wait to get started."

Simon will be returning to Inverclyde Academy to teach technical studies.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Greenock, initially studied engineering before doing the education with technical and home economics course at the University of Strathclyde.

In his second year, the course merged with the postgrad diploma course at Glasgow Uni.

Simon says he was inspired by his former teacher Drew Arbuckle, who recently retired, to go into the profession.

He said: "I learned so much from him.

"There are so many different areas to cover in technical so I'll have to gauge the lessons by the pupils in front of me.

"The department is amazing and the staff are fantastic.

"I'm so grateful to be given the chance to come back again and to start my career here.

"I'm buzzing to get in and get started."