A TOP Scottish comedian who transformed his life from convict to comic and had a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe is coming to Greenock.

Gary Little will be on stage at the Cruden Hall next Friday as part of a fundraiser for local charity Inverclyde Faith in Throughcare (IFiT). 

The popular comedian was part of the IFiT team's last fundraiser at the Beacon and was such a big hit with the audience that he's been asked back. 

Gary says he appreciates the great work being done by the charity as he spent time in prison many years ago. 

The comedian was accused of stealing around £50,000-worth of books from his employer and selling them online. 

He served seven months in prison and then spent six months out on a tag.

Gary said: "Just because someone has a bit of a dodgy background, it doesn't mean they can't have a bright future.

"Some people allow their past to dictate where they are just now. 

"You can't hang onto it, you have to learn from it and move on. 

"You can't let something that happened 20 years ago identify you and define you."

Gary's show at this year's Fringe, Still Here, was a great success and he's now looking forward to entertaining the people of Inverclyde. 

He said: "The gig at the Beacon was brilliant and it's great that the guys have asked me back. 

"If I can do my bit to help people and raise a few quid, I'll be happy."

Greenock Telegraph:

IFiT supports people who have been released from a short-term custodial sentence and helps them reintegrate into society. 

Gary said of his tag: "I had to negotiate to get the hours changed so that I could keep doing stand-up comedy. 

"Instead of the usual 7pm to 7am, I got it changed to 1pm to 1am. 

"There's obviously a wee bit of a connection there with IFiT because of what I've been through."

Gary carved out his comedy career at his 'legendary' house parties and has gone on to achieve great success across Scotland and beyond. 

Greenock Telegraph:

He has promised that the crowd gathering at the Cruden Hall next week will have a great night. 

He said: "If people come along, they'll have a good laugh.

"If they've not seen me live yet, they're in for a treat!

"It won't be anything too heavy. 

"They'll get to learn a bit more about me.

"We all need a laugh with the world the way it is today."

Gary will be joined on the bill by singer Danny Mooney. 

IFiT support worker Robbie Murdoch will be DJ and host for the over 18s night which runs from 7.30pm-1am. 

To book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk