A SIGHT-SAVING Inverclyde eye surgeon who has enabled thousands of people in the poorest parts of the world to see again will have a new award in his name at home.

Dr Sadhu-Ram Gupta MBE is to be recognised by the Gourock Rotary Club for his mercy missions across the globe, setting up camps to change lives by removing cataracts and treating other conditions.

As well as his charity efforts abroad Dr Gupta has also raised thousands of pounds to fund equipment and services in Inverclyde Royal Hospital, where he worked for almost 30 years.

Now the Gourock Rotary Club, one of his biggest supporters, has teamed up with his family to launch a new Young Citizen Award in his honour.

Together they hope to encourage the next generation of philanthropists in the community.

Dr Gupta said: "I am so honoured and privileged to have this award in my name from the Rotary Club.

"I was very shocked when it was announced but it is wonderful to think this will be a legacy for me.

"I am proud to think that we can recognise young people and support them.

"The Gourock Rotary Club and the wider association have always been so supportive of my work.

"They organised this along with my son Puneet, who I am also very proud of."

Dr Gupta, born in Delhi, India, has devoted his life to helping communities both at home and abroad.

He has led no fewer than 18 eye camps to India, Pakistan, Burma, Nepal, Ethopia and Bangledesh, continuing his work after retiring from the hospital in 2011.

The 78-year-old, who carried out his last mission in 2017, said: "Sight is a gift and it really makes a difference to people's lives to be able to see again."

During his time at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, along with his wife Pushpa, a paediatrician, they spent three decades serving local people.

Philanthropy runs in the family as their own son Puneet and his wife Poonam, owners of Greenock-based export firm PG Paper, have also continued with charity work.

They have stepped in to sponsor the Gourock Rotary Club award for the next ten years in recognition of Dr Gupta's commitment.

Gourock Rotary Club President Jim Blair said: "In recognition of his incredible charitable efforts throughout his life, the club in conjunction with the Gupta family are delighted to introduce the Dr SR Gupta MBE and Gourock Rotary Citizens Award.

"It is hoped this award will encourage the next generation of young people to give back to their communities and inspire the future philanthropists of Inverclyde."

They are looking for nominations of deserving young people aged nine to 24, who are champions in their school or local community - they may be young carers, fundraisers, volunteers or have shown courage in some way.

The nominees can be put forward by local rotary clubs or partner organisations including schools, colleges, universities or youth groups.

All entries will be reviewed, a short list drawn up and the top five will be put through to the national finals of the Rotary Young Citizens Awards, judged by Rotary International.

If you would like to nominate a young person, email normanpettigrew@gmail.com