A PORT Glasgow mum leading a national campaign to end inequality in education for children with additional support needs is giving local parents the chance to have their say.

Mum-of-two Heather Reid has announced that a demonstration on the issue will be held in Greenock's Clyde Square next month.

It follows recent events in Glasgow and Edinburgh, where campaigners met with MSPs who support their cause.

Heather is founder of the ASN Reform group, which is calling for children with disabilities to get the support they need.

They are calling for improved training for teachers and better access to specialist education.

Heather, 37, of Stanton Square, said: "This is my home area, so it is really important to have it here.

"Some of our parents would not be able to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow to take part.

"I really hope this gives parents in Inverclyde a voice, we have had a number of new people from the district who have been in touch and want to come along.

"It can be very isolating and lonely when you have a child with additional support needs, and we want to help with that.

"Like I have said before Inverclyde is actually very good, and there is provision here. But we also have many of the same problems as everywhere else.

"I have had a great reaction locally since we announced plans to hold a demonstration here. This is about empowerment and bringing people together to create a community."

Heather's daughter Ella-Rose, aged four, is non-verbal and has secured a place in Craigmarloch School in Port Glasgow for when she leaves Hillend Children's Centre.

But she says there are widespread concerns about education nationally that need to be addressed and is hoping that parent power will deliver action.

The determined mum is also hoping to set up a local network for families in the area.

Her group's demands include ASN specific first aid training courses, mental health resources and support for siblings.

ASN Reform also want more transparency around money set aside in the budget for children with disabilities and how that cash is spent.

She has held meetings with Inverclyde Council's head of education Michael Roach ahead of the ASN Reform Scotland protest.

The group have backing from MSPs including Pam Duncan-Glancy and recently held talks with the education secretary Jenny Gilruth.

ASN Reform Scotland will be holding their Inverclyde protest on Tuesday February 13 from 11am-1 in Clyde Square Greenock.