OVER 200 keen walkers pounded the pavements to raise funds for local good causes close to their hearts.

The Inverclyde STRIDE brought together people of all ages from across the area to raise funds for charitable organisations such as Ardgowan Hospice and Man On Inverclyde.

The full-scale stride, organised by the Inverclyde Community Fund, was an 18-mile walk which started out at Parklea Branching Out in Port Glasgow and finished at Inverkip Community Hub.

There was also a stride-lite, a shorter nine-mile scenic walk from Parklea to Battery Park, and a stroll around Battery Park.

Overseeing the event was community fund vice chair Helen McCormick.

She said: "Inverclyde Community Fund aims to enable local community groups to grow and flourish so that, together, we can make Inverclyde the best place in Scotland to live, work and play.

"The STRIDE showcased the fantastic community spirit that exists here.

"The sun shone and Inverclyde sparkled.

"We have had so much positive feedback about how well organised and how lovely an event it was - it made all the hard work worthwhile."

One of the walkers was Corey Beaton, a trustee of the fund, who took part on the day to raise funds for Ardgowan Hospice who cared for his late mum, Lorna.

The 21-year-old told the Tele: "It’s been an incredibly heartwarming and affirming experience planning STRIDE, especially if it means re-igniting a greater sense of community spirit across Inverclyde."

Familiar faces across the area also took on the charity trek included Inverclyde's MP Ronnie Cowan.

Mr Cowan, who directed those who wished to sponsor him to Gourock pensioner Betty McLaughlin's JustGiving page, said: "I dragged myself the 18 miles from Parklea to Inverkip and managed to enjoy myself in the process.

"It was very well attended by a wide range of people and there was a joyous atmosphere.

"The organisation was good and everyone was safe and supported no matter what distance you were walking."