WATER tankers are being drafted in as 13,000 homes and businesses across Inverclyde lose their water supplies after Loch Thom froze over.

Emergency measures are being put in place by Scottish Water so that people still have access to supplies until the problem can be fixed.

Extreme temperatures have completely frozen Loch Thom and blocked the intake to the Water Treatment Works.

As divers at the loch work to clear the blockage, Scottish Water is filling tankers at Overton and they are then being sent out to affected areas across the district, including Fancy Farm and at Pennyfern, final picture.

It's not yet known how long the disruption will go on for but temperatures are forecast to rise markedly tomorrow as a thaw arrives.

PHOTOS BY GEORGE MUNRO