November 30, 2007 - TARTAN-clad kids and staff at a Greenock centre celebrated St Andrew’s Day with international flair.

Larkfield Family Centre welcomed Russian project workers from the Taganka Children's Fund near Moscow to their base in Angus Road.

The centre has formed strong links with the fund and, as Russia's patron saint is also St Andrew, the two groups joined forces this year thanks to European funding.

Larkfield Family Centre runs in conjunction with Quarriers and gives support to children and families throughout Inverclyde.

(Image: Newsquest) Quarriers service manager, Julie Richardson, said: "The children have been learning about Russia all week and meeting their Russian friends has made things extra special.

"Meeting and talking to the Russian workers has shown that although our cultures are very different, we have one main thing in common - our commitment to caring for children and families within our communities."

Taganka staff taught Inverclyde boys and girls the Russian version of familiar songs, with the Birdie Song a real favourite.

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Larkfield children and families made a special Scotland flag to present to their new friends, and the Russian workers returned the favour with a lovely Taganka emblem.

Gourock High School pupil Nadia Ayoubi even introduced the Russian visitors to the bagpipes.

The Taganka Children’s Fund secured European Union funding thanks to their links with Larkfield.

The funding allowed a whole group of workers from the Moscow Youth Centre to travel across to Scotland to make even stronger links with the centre and Quarriers.

Taganka worker, Maria Stebleva, said: "Coming to Scotland has been a great opportunity for all of us.

"It’s allowed us to talk to Scottish workers about their experiences and it has really helped us.

"It’s been a very good trip."