FESTIVE lights are glowing and the stage is set for Christmas cheer across Inverclyde.

With the stresses and strains of these recent times, people are doing their utmost to make the best of the festive season for themselves and others.

Here is a small collection of some happy shots of yuletide fun from the past.

Pic1: Due to increased demand in these difficult times, our local Salvation Army unit is still appealing for donations of toys for Inverclyde children less fortunate. This shot shows the team preparing toys for collection back in 2012.

Greenock Telegraph:

Pic 2: This picture shows staff and pupils of St Joseph's Primary School as they set out their stall for their Christmas fair of 1997.

Greenock Telegraph:

Pic 3: Record crowds turned out for the switch-on of Greenock's Christmas lights in the town's Clyde square. Cold but dry weather helped make the evening in 1994 a great success.

Greenock Telegraph:

Pic4: Pupils of the long-gone Springfield Primary School are seen here during their festive fair of 1999. The kids posed up for the Tele camera with raffle prizes that included this oversize orangutan!

Greenock Telegraph:

Pic5: Pupils of Whinhill Primary School worked hard to craft some quality Christmas gifts for their festive market set up in the school hall.

Greenock Telegraph:

Cards, reindeer food and tree decorations were proudly displayed for the picture, taken in 2014.