INVERCLYDE'S MP and MSP say that a new move to provide free mobile data for people living in digital poverty is right on the money.

Ronnie Cowan and Stuart McMillan are backing a new scheme from the Virgin Money Greenock store to provide a 'digital foodbank' where people can access free top ups, texts and calls.

The National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, is now in the Greenock bank branch as part of a roll-out which brings the service to 33 towns and cities in the UK.

Through the National Databank, people who are disadvantaged by digital poverty and live in these areas can request a voucher from a local community support organisation registered with Good Things Foundation.

They can then take the voucher to the West Blackhall Street branch and pick up an O2 sim card loaded with 20GB of free data, enough for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month.

The free data allowance is renewed every month for six months.

READ MORE: James Walker Devol: Payrise of 12.5 per cent for staff

Specially-trained Virgin Money hosts will help users to register their Sim cards, show them how to get online and offer tips on how to stay safe when browsing.

MP Mr Cowan said: "We cannot tolerate a situation where those on lower incomes miss out on access to the internet, which is absolutely crucial for things like applying for a job, getting online shopping discounts, or home learning.

"Since 2015 I have made it my business to help bring Inverclyde connectivity times from well below the UK and Scottish average to well above the UK and Scottish average.

"And this new plan from Virgin and The Good Things Foundation now addresses how those on lower incomes can be helped to access something that others take for granted.

"This is particularly timely because of the ravages of cost-of-living crisis, which has put huge pressures on household incomes in just about every area.

"My constituents are experiencing unprecedented strain and things that used to be affordable are not anymore so I welcome anything which helps to address this."

MSP Mr McMillan added:  “It’s reassuring to know that one of our local high street banks is going the extra mile to support constituents who may be experiencing financial hardship and struggling to access online services.”

The manager at Virgin Money’s Greenock store, Fiona Graham, said: "We’re already starting to see the benefits that free monthly data can have for people in need and I’m delighted that we have expanded our work with Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media 02 to ensure that more people in Greenock can get connected online and out of digital poverty.”