TOP Scottish DJ George Bowie is teaming up with Morton's charity arm to help needy locals get the 'boots and pieces' they need to get involved in sport.

The Ton Community Trust are launching a new Inverclyde swap shop, which aims to keep people in the game during the cost-of-living crisis by providing free kit.

The charity will be collecting the first donations for the drive at Cappielow this Saturday, ahead of the Ton's league clash against Queen's Park.

The project is named after the famous dance track 'Bits and Pieces' championed by Greenock-born DJ and Ton fan George and is also being backed by Morton manager Dougie Imrie and club legend Andy Ritchie.

Sports clothing, shoes and kit which is still in good condition but no longer needed can all be donated to the project at dedicated drop-off points throughout Inverclyde and swapped for new sizes or items.

The project will ensure all items are cleaned, laundered, and safe for reuse; or will recycle them responsibly.

Community Trust chief executive Brian McLaughlin said "Research is showing that over 40 per cent of people currently playing sport in the UK are thinking of quitting because of rising costs, we don’t want anyone in Inverclyde being in that position.

"We're hoping people can donate stuff that's in good condition that we can get back out and use to remove barrier to participation.

"Effectively we're going to have a shop and people can find what's available.

"Longer term we're looking at maybe putting on a bit of a roadshow and taking it around community centres and spaces.

"Football boots can be so expensive, there's so much football going on for kids to play and if we can remove the small barriers for them I think the benefits can be massive.

"We are very grateful to other local organisations and sports clubs for their support and would like to thank Inverclyde Windfarm Fund Sustainable Development Grant for supporting this new project."

Inverkip Community Hub and Fort Matilda Tennis Club will both be hosting donation points.

Clyde One DJ and Ton fan George is proud to be supporting the swap shop.

He said: "It's so amazing that Morton are doing this and I love the name.

"It's an obvious thing to do but nobody's ever thought of it before.

"There's so many kids out there that are looking to play but can't afford it.

"If families are looking to heat the house or put food on the table football boots are way down the list.

"You never know, there might be some great wee players out there that are discovered on the back of this - we could find the next Andy Ritchie.

"It's an amazing thing and I'm so glad that they asked me to get involved."

Morton manager Dougie Imrie added: "The team and I were onboard as soon as we heard about the project.

"We know first-hand how important it is that people have access to sport and the good it does.

"Plus, it’s making us think twice about where our old boots and kit go, we can help the planet as well as our community and that’s a win-win."