GOUROCK Rotary Club is covering the cost of lifesaving equipment at local care homes.

The charitable organisation is supporting good causes affected by the impact of Covid-19 and its latest donation went to Greenock Medical Aid Society to help with extra care costs.

A cash boost of £400 will help the society, which runs a number of care homes locally, to cover the costs of personal protective equipment.

Gourock Rotary have also given donations to Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde Foodbank and Largs Royal National Lifeboat Institution and raised almost £2,000 in the global fight to help eradicate polio.

Outgoing president Allan Robertson, pictured with pupils at St Patrick's Primary on a visit about World Polio Day, said: "Throughout the past year Gourock Rotary has made substantial donations to local organisations, local individuals and worldwide to help when disasters occur, such as the bush fires in Australia.

"We have also this year raised over £1,700 to help eradicate polio throughout the world.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had an adverse financial effect on local organisations who work so hard in supporting the vulnerable within our own community.

"The members of Gourock Rotary felt that it was important to show our support to some of these organisations.”

Greenock Medical Aid Society has praised Rotarians for the kind donation.

Archie Livingstone, society chairman, said: "We are extremely grateful to Gourock Rotary for the donation that they have given.

"The cost of PPE equipment escalated dramatically over these past months and the donation that we have been given will be put to help offset some of these costs.”

Bosses at Ardgowan Hospice say the donation they have received will be used to support patients and families.

A grateful Ann Cochrane of Largs RNLI, said: "Our normal fundraising activities have all had to be cancelled for the foreseeable future so we are extremely grateful for any donations we get.

"The money from Gourock Rotary will go towards maintaining the station and training and equipping the crew.”

The new president of Gourock Rotary for the coming year is businessman Douglas Brands.

Mr Brands, pictured, said: “Gourock Rotary has still been meeting regularly through Zoom and we will continue to support local groups and individuals who themselves all try to make a difference for the benefit of others.”