AMERICAN curlers swept into Greenock to take part in a challenge match for one of the sport's most coveted prizes.

The 20-strong team of curlers from the United States Curling Association played a Scottish select side as part of a 23-day tour of the country in what is described as the sport's version of golf's Ryder Cup.

The teams are battling it out for the prestigious Herries-Maxwell trophy which is contested by both countries every five years.

Each side takes it in turns to visit the opposition country, touring curling clubs and playing matches before the overall winner is declared and given the trophy to take home until the next time they take to the ice.

This year it's the turn of the American competitors to tour Scotland and play against teams from curling provinces as far afield as Lockerbie and Inverness.

The Waterfront Leisure Centre was the venue on Tuesday as the Argyll Province hosted Team USA with the overall score in the competition deadlocked.

But it was a day to remember for the American side as they enjoyed 'splendid conditions' both on the ice and off it - with shortbread and a dram of whisky on offer to warm everyone up after the hotly-contested match.

Scottish player Hugh Templeton is organising Team USA's trip around the country, as official tour courier.

Hugh said: "Scotland was fortunate enough to win the trophy in 2007 which the Americans had held for the previous 30 years, so the USA are here with the intention of winning it back.

"They are playing in 20 different venues over 23 days.

"This is a big event and very prestigious - like the Ryder Cup of the curling world." The American team were later treated to a slap-up meal at Gourock Golf Club along with the Argyll curlers before heading to face a select side in Stirling.

The battle for the Herries-Maxwell trophy has been on the go since 1952 when the former president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club - Commander Desmond Herries-Maxwell - donated the silverware as the prize for the winning side.

Waterfront duty ice rink manager George Munro was delighted Greenock played its part in the historic tournament.

He said: "We were delighted to welcome Team USA to the Waterfront for their tour of Scotland.

"They were very happy with the reception and quality of ice - which is good to hear from our perspective."