TWO of Inverclyde's greatest sports stars are to be recognised in a national hall of fame.

Paralympian heroes Margaret McEleny and Kenny Cairns, who both flew the flag for disabled swimmers with the Port Glasgow Otters, are among the first names to be honoured by the new award.

On the back of a hugely successful London Paralympic Games, Scottish Disability Sport, the national body which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has moved to pay tribute to trailblazers for disability sport who have achieved international success.

Gourock-born Margaret collected 15 medals while competing at three different games while Port Glasgow Otters club-mate Kenny competed in five games, bringing home 13 medals.

Scottish Disability Sport chief executive Gavin MacLeod said: "This is a landmark day where we recognise the incredible achievements of Scotland's most iconic athletes and players with a disability, on what is the 50th anniversary of Scottish Disability Sport. The dedication and determination required by all the inductees we honour is testament not only to the athletes themselves, but also to the support given from family, friends and coaches and volunteers.

"When you read through the sporting achievements of the Hall of Fame athletes it is an amazing record of sporting achievement across the last 50 years."

In total, 20 of Scotland's greatest ever disabled sports stars will be recognised in the first round of the inductions.

It is the latest honour for swimming star Margaret, who was one of the leading figures at the London Games, taking part in the celebrations north of the border before carrying the flame on its final journey to the Olympic Stadium.

Fellow swimming star Kenny, from Erskine, competed for the local Port Glasgow Otters as well as winning international acclaim by securing four Paralympic golds and taking world and European championship titles.