SCORES of families who are struggling with life in lockdown received a helping hand from a local charity thanks to a big cash injection.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde received £3,600 through the Scottish Government's community winter support fund, supported by the STV Children's Appeal, and immediately put the money to good use.

Pat Burke and George Wall from CIPI enlisted the help of local councillor Tommy McVey and community campaigner Veronica Doherty to identify the families most in need of help.

A total of 36 families were identified and each was gifted £100, in the form of £50 in Morrisons vouchers and £50 in Tesco F&F clothing vouchers.

Health visitors also received new clothing for distribution to the under fives.

Children in Poverty founder Pat Burke said he was grateful to the appeal for such generosity.

He added: "This is a significant amount of money.

"It will make a huge difference to families all over Inverclyde.

"We’re living in very difficult times and it’s so important for us to be there for the children and families who are finding it hard."

Representatives from organisations across Inverclyde will be distributing the vouchers to families.

Some of the organisations include St Francis' Nursery, Bluebird Family Centre, Glenbrae Children's Centre and Aileymill Nursery.

Councillor McVey said he was pleased to get involved in helping struggling families.

He added: "I was delighted to get the call from Children in Poverty Inverclyde and very happy to help.

"My thanks go to George and Pat for this magnificent gesture which was very much appreciated by all of the families concerned."

Carrie Murphy, from St Francis' Nursery, was overwhelmed by the donation.

She said: "It's just fantastic and means so much to the families.

"It's great that Pat and the team are thinking about us in these difficult times."