TODAY'S flashback focuses on 2011 - when Inverclyde was battered by wild winds as a predicted major storm arrived with full force.

Schools closed for the day along with many other local services and workplaces, as trees were torn down, buildings damaged and roads closed.

Public transport was badly disrupted as gusts reached up to 90mph.

Frightened senior citizens in Greenock watched as a tree came crashing down near to their sheltered housing complex in Carwood Street, while a Gourock businesswoman had a lucky escape after debris smashed on to her car in Kempock Street just moments after she left it.

In other news, a Greenock artist took a trip back in time to put his own stamp on an important part of Glasgow’s history - and its future.

Alec Galloway was commissioned to create 10 stained glass windows as part of a project to celebrate the re-opening of the historic Burgh Hall in Maryhill after it was restored to its former glory.

The project saw him follow in the footsteps of Stephen Adam, who made 20 stunning windows to showcase the trades of the district when the Burgh Hall first opened in 1878.

Also making headlines was Inverclyde's new MP, who paid a ‘getting to know you’ visit to Texas Instruments.

Labour's Iain McKenzie was there to meet managing director Gerry McCarthy, finance director Adrienne McGlynn and company government relations director Stephen Bonner.

But it wasn’t the first time he had been in the former National Semiconductor plant at Larkfield Industrial Estate.

He had visited years ago as a youngster when his mother, Isobel, worked in the fabrication area.

On our pages were lots of smiling faces who attended the Christmas light switch-ons in Gourock and Port Glasgow.

Crowds turned out in force to watch the towns light up, marking the start of the festive season.

Colourful lights and glistening trees were switched on for another year as local people wrapped up warm and braved the weather to watch.

In sporting news, Greenock boxer John Simpson declared himself back to full strength and raring to go in ‘the biggest fight of his life’.

The boxer was ready for a massive British and Commonwealth featherweight title showdown against Welshman Lee Selby after their fight had to be postponed when John took ill with a viral infection.

The virus left John floored - but he vowed to do the same to his title-holding opponent when they faced off in London.