SHARING views on how easy it is to be active across Inverclyde has helped five lucky local people scoop top prizes. 

The Active Inverclyde working group ran a survey encouraging people to express their opinions on getting out and about in their local area. 

Members are collecting opinions to develop the Active Inverclyde strategy, which aims to reduce inequalities by increasing opportunities for people to improve their physical activity, and 'embed a culture of inclusion and participation'.

Everyone who completed the survey was put forward for a prize draw. 

Sonia Paternostro won a signed Morton top; Kevin McAdam won a £50 voucher; Allan Rowan won a three-month membership for Whinhill Golf Club; Jean Benson won a £50 Amazon voucher; and Margaret Craig won a three-month Fitness For Less membership. 

Sonia said: "It was a very positive thing to take part in. 

"It's so important that Inverclyde is accessible for everyone to help everyone be as active as they can. 

"I love walking, so it's important to me that walking routes across the area are safe and accessible for everyone."

The Active Inverclyde working group comprises representatives from Inverclyde Council, sportscotland, Inverclyde Leisure, Inverclyde Health and Social Partnership, and other representatives from the physical activity and sport community in Inverclyde. 

Group chair Gerry Gaffney said the team were thrilled to receive survey responses from 1,100 people. 

The group is still analysing the results but say that people who are keen to become active are considering starting to walk, go to the gym, swim, cycle, take part in team sports, and  try  out gardening. 

Gerry said the group has a very simple aim. 

He added: "Our main aim is to get people who are not active to become active. 

"It's a very simple but very powerful message. 

"Activity and getting active is not about taking part in a particular sport. 

"As long as you're getting up and moving around, you're being active."

The working group plans to travel around Inverclyde running workshops and roadshows, and will be offering functional fitness MOTs.

Gerry says he's keen for community groups across Inverclyde to get involved with the working group to help even more people become active. 

Councillor Sandra Reynolds said she was very proud to support the Active Inverclyde survey. 

She added: "I'm glad to be on the Active Inverclyde board and want to support it as much as I can."

David McCorkindale of Inverclyde Leisure said: "We're very happy to support Active Inverclyde, and happy to do everything we can to get people across Inverclyde as active as possible. 

"It's amazing to see what's being achieved in the local community."