INVERCLYDE'S MP and MSP teamed up to help the people of Port Glasgow access support and advice on the cost of living crisis.

Ronnie Cowan and Stuart McMillan hosted an advice surgery at 7 ½ John Wood Street.

The event brought together representatives from the Inverclyde Common Housing Register, Inverclyde HSCP Advice First, Social Security Scotland and Advice Direct Scotland, who helped people with questions about housing, energy and benefits, among many other themes.

Mr McMillan added: "These events take a 'one stop shop' approach and bring agencies together in the one place to make things as accessible and welcoming as possible for people.

"It's a great opportunity for them to get their message out there and get it to the right people, those who need help the most."

Mr Cowan said the steady flow of people through the door was a 'sad reflection on society'.

He added: "We would rather not need to be running this in the first place.

"This surgery is the first step for people but we will be following up with them afterwards.

"We've been finding out about very specific issues.

"People's lives can change rapidly and people are having to speak to agencies they never thought they would be involved with.

"They are there for you and people should be making full use of them."

Colin Mathieson from Advice Direct Scotland helped people on the day.

He added: "People who had been managing to get by are now finding themselves not knowing what to do next or where to turn.

"Having agencies gathered together like this is a great idea."