THE organisers of this year's Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards have secured a well-known Greenock figure as the main speaker for the event. 

Morton FC chairman John Laird will be appearing at the gala dinner on Friday, May 17. 

Mr Laird returned to Cappielow earlier this year as consultant to the board before becoming chairman.

The businessman has been involved with Morton since the mid-1980s and helped the club seal significant transfer deals between 1986 and 1997.

He was previously the club's director of youth.

Outside football, he runs successful companies in the sectors including energy, sports management, and events.

Musical entertainment at the event this year will be provided by The Riverside Youth Band Quartet - Ash Paton, Katie Livingstone, Andrea Crumlish, and Scott Crumlish.

Greenock Telegraph:
As a quartet, the young musicians are west of Scotland ensemble champions. 

The Inverclyde Sports Personality Awards recognise the success and dedication of people involved in sport in communities across Inverclyde. 

The nine categories of award are Senior Sports Personality of the Year; Junior Sports Personality of the Year; Disabled Sports Personality of the Year; Team of the Year; School Team of the Year; Coach of the Year; Club of the Year; and Young and Adult Volunteers of the Year.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards making grants available for aspiring Inverclyde sportspeople. 

Tickets are available from Smiths Sports in West Blackhall in Greenock or by emailing  ispagreenock@gmail.com