THOUSANDS of pounds of grant cash have helped a youth group that supports local people with additional needs put on a successful summer programme.

Friends4Ever have been able to run a super series of fun excursions throughout June and July thanks to Inverclyde Council and National Lottery Funding.

The trips have included days out at Loch Lomond Shores, the Glasgow Science Centre and Transport Museum and Clyde Valley Farm Park, as well as a recent outing to Finlaystone Country Park.


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Friends4Ever treasurer Morag McCracken told the Telegraph the group were very grateful to the organisations that had supported them.

Greenock Telegraph: Friends4ever outing at Finlaystone Country Park

Greenock Telegraph: Friends4ever outing at Finlaystone Country Park

She said: “We’ve been running two outings every Tuesday and Thursday since the schools broke up for the summer.

“Our most recent was to Finlaystone, we've been going there for a number of years, it’s an outing we always do.

“We had about 60 people there, the kids were able to spend time with the animals at the Ark and then also one of the rangers took them for a session of den building.

“They really enjoyed it.

“It’s great because the kids have a brilliant time.

“We have some volunteers that are able to work with the kids for their activities which gives their parents the chance to chat, catch up and socialise.”

The group were given £1,000 from the Inverclyde Council’s Community Grants Fund, which has been used to fund an upcoming daytrip to Blair Drummond Safari Park, with the organisation using the £6,300 it received from the National Lottery to fund the rest of its trips.

Greenock Telegraph: The National Lottery Logo

Normally the group’s members would have to fundraise to cover the costs of their summer programme but the generous sums they have received from the two organisations has meant this year has been smoother sailing for them.

Greenock Telegraph: Friends4ever outing at Finlaystone Country Park

Greenock Telegraph: Friends4ever outing at Finlaystone Country Park

Mrs McCracken added: “We’re really grateful to Inverclyde Council and the National Lottery.

“It’s out of this world this year, normally we have to raise funds to try and subsidise it but this year we’re not having to do that which is a big help when things are so difficult financially.

“It’s been so much easier and a lot of people really appreciate it.”