A SPECIAL church vigil is taking place in Greenock this weekend in a bid to end violence against women and children.

Councillor Francesca Brennan, who has campaigned on making the town centre safer, is joining forces with local Catholic Church leader Bishop John Keenan, of the Paisley Diocese, to hold the event.

It takes place at St Mary's Church in Greenock tomorrow (SUN) at 2pm, as part of the current '16 days' campaign of activism which highlights the scourge of violence towards women.

The prayer service involving religious leaders and youngsters from Notre Dame, St Columba's and St Stephen's high schools will make a call for society to unite and take a stand on the issue.

Councillor Brennan said: "The event is open to all to attend and it gives an important opportunity to honour Inverclyde's women and girls whose lives have been impacted by violence, and to reflect on ways to look towards a better, more equal future.

"I hope many people will join us on the day of the service.

"We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of others to get involved.

"Many faith leaders have signed up to come along and we have also had a fantastic response from Inverclyde's secondary schools.

"Lots of young people are taking time out to join the service, provide music and serve teas and coffees."

Councillor Brennan says she was very pleased when Bishop Keenan and Canon Tom Boyle agreed to get involved with the vigil.

She said: "When I first spoke to Bishop John about taking a lead on this event to mark this year's 16 days of activism to tackle violence against women and girls there was no hesitation.

"It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Bishop John, Canon Tom and the St Mary's community to plan this service."

After the prayer service a number of groups working with vulnerable women will be on hand to speak to those in attendance.

Bishop Keenan said: "The sixteen days of activism is an important campaign to help end the scourge of violence against women and girls both across the world and close to home.

"Our Christian churches and communities are keen to be part of this effort with our service of prayer in St Mary’s Church, which will gather together Christian leaders and people from across Inverclyde. 

"The Gospel demands that we care for all those who are victimised or marginalised in our society and not pass by on the other side. 

"Jesus began all his works of justice and mercy with prayer and we hope our prayer can honour women and girls impacted by violence and pray for a safer, more equal future for women and girls.

"We also hope it can assist all those working in this field today.

"The service is open to everyone and we are delighted to host organisations working on behalf of women, who will have information stands in the parish hall afterwards for those who want to find out how they can get involved."