CHARITY champs at Chaplins Bar dug deep to raise a record-breaking sum at their annual fundraiser to help those battling life-limiting illnesses.

Staff and customers at the popular Inverkip Street public house raised £5,500 for Ardgowan Hospice through a series of fundraising events.

As well as having a charity day with raffles, bingo and games, pub owner and fitness guru Craig Warnock trekked on a stairmaster machine at JD Gyms for five hours to top up funds.

Staff members, including barmaid Patricia Brogan (far left), also took on a sponsored walk in a bid to boost the total.

Patricia, who has been involved in the annual fundraising event since its launch in 2009, says this year's amount takes the total amount raised for the hospice to over £20,000.

The Greenockian said: "This is the first time we've held our charity day since before the pandemic and there was a real demand for it.

"It was a great day, everyone rallied around to show their support.

"I'd like to thank all of the local businesses who supported us and all of our customers who came along and helped us raise our highest ever amount."

Hospice fundraising officer, Alex Mula said: "We are so grateful to all at Chaplins for raising this amount.

"During these hard times we continue to be amazed at the generosity of the people of Inverclyde.

"This money will continue to help us support patients and their families across the area."