ALMOST 1,000 people have visited Greenock's fire heritage museum already this year and even more are expected as the cruise ship season brings passengers from overseas.

The museum has proved a popular attraction for tourists, with some having a special interest in fire-fighting.

The Telegraph met up with a couple from London who were enjoying a British Isles cruise on the Regal Princess which had docked at Ocean Terminal.

Greenock Telegraph:

Thomas William Sands, 82, from Havering, proudly spoke about his father William Thomas Sands who was the fire chief for the Met South East during the Blitz.

Thomas, 82, said: "I hardly saw him, he was always on duty and even when he wasn't he was always there. He was very dedicated.

"He and my mum, who was 42 at the time, were celebrating his promotion and then I came along."

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The pair went on the trip to mark Hazel's birthday and their 61st wedding anniversary.

Thomas was thrilled to get the chance to sit on a old Dennis fire engine in the museum.

He said: "I've got an identical picture of my dad sitting on one of these.

"The museum here in Greenock is brilliant, it has been one of the highlights of our trip."

Greenock Telegraph:

Thomas has another unique link with firefighting - his cousin wrote the popular Fireman Sam children's books which became a favourite BBC series.

Thomas said: "My cousin David Gingell joined the fire brigade, he never rose through the ranks but he wrote the Fireman Sam books."

He and Hazel have five grown-up children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The couple say they were very impressed with what Greenock had to offer, particularly the fire museum.

Hazel said: "We have had a lovely time here. Everyone is so kind and friendly."