TWO Inverclyde charity champions have been crowned 'local heroes' by their community - with help from well-known funeral directors.

In the run-up to Christmas, Green Oak Funeral Services and Port Glasgow Funeral Services asked their customers and social media followers to nominate inspiring individuals in the area for recognition.

When staff at the funeral directors looked at the huge list of nominations, two people emerged as clear winners.

Fundraiser and DJ Stephen Connon took the local hero title for Greenock and Lynn Emerson, from Port Glasgow Tesco, scooped the prize for the Port.

Both Stephen and Lynn have now been presented with gifts, including £100-worth of vouchers.

The community heroes have been supporting people since the start of lockdown in 2020.

Stephen set up the Inverclyde BB2020 page on Facebook in May to help raise funds for community groups.

Through online raffles with great prizes and random number generators, Stephen has raised a remarkable £84,000 - and the total continues to climb every week.

Stephen said: "I don't do this for any recognition but it's great to know that it means a lot to people.

"I've been fundraising for charity for the last six years and I really enjoy it.

"We have some amazing prizes on offer in the raffles and it doesn't cost people a lot to get involved.

"The community of Inverclyde is benefitting from it and that's a great feeling.

"Thanks so much to everyone who nominated me."

As Tesco Port Glasgow's community champion, Lynn is involved in a wide range of activities the length and breadth of Inverclyde.

She told the Tele she was 'totally overwhelmed' to learn that community had voted for her.

Lynn said: "It's such a nice thing to happen and absolutely lovely.

"I think there are so many more deserving people than me.

"It's a really nice gesture.

"People definitely need a wee bit of help just now to get them through these tough times.

"We just need to keep going."

Alistair Thomas of Green Oak Funeral Services says encouraging people to think about those who are doing great work out in the community has never been more important.

He said: "We asked the people of Inverclyde who their heroes are and they told us.

"These prizes are a direct reflection of how the community feels.

"Both Stephen and Lynn do an amazing job out there in the community and it's clear they mean a lot to people.

"It's vital that we take time to recognise the work that people do to help others."

PRIZE GUY Stephen Connon receives his gifts from Alistair Thomas and Julie Gillan.