THE family of a late and much loved Port Glasgow entertainer are kicking off a charity football match in his honour after a four year wait.

Tom Bell, who was a well known club singer locally, died 18 years ago at the age of only 56 from heart failure.

His loved ones, led by his wife Moira, organised annual testimonial matches in his name in aid of local charities.

But this is the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that the game has taken place, with his eldest grandson Morgan stepping up to make it happen.

Student Morgan, who is studying primary school teaching, said: "It means such a lot to organise the  match in memory of my grandad.

"I have had lots of help from our family."

The charity game will be played on Friday evening at Port Glasgow Shared Community Campus.

Afterwards there will be a special awards ceremony in the Upper Port Glasgow Social Club with music, a raffle and live singing by his son Alan.

Tom's widow Moira, of Westwoodside Avenue, 76, said: "We like to choose causes that are local, and have donated a lot to Inverclyde Royal over the years.

"This would have been Tom's 75th birthday coming up and for one reason and another we haven't been able to organise a match since Covid. So we decided this would be a good time to have it again.

"Everyone loved Tom, he was in a group and we also sang together in the clubs."

Mr Bell's daughter Kirsty, grandsons Morgan, 20, Logan, 15, and five-year-old Ceilidh will all be involved in the fundraiser.

All of Tom's grandsons will play in the match, along with son Alan and son-in-law Ian.

His loved ones would like to thank everyone who has helped arrange the game, including Logan's football team, Renfrew 2008s, Brian McNelis for refereeing, family friend Kendal for providing posters and George Loosens of the Trophy Box who has donated medals, as well as Little Creations.

Friday's charity match kicks off at 6.30pm at the campus followed by the after-party.