A KIND-hearted Greenock volunteer is helping give tots the best start in life by giving up her own time to continue running vital play sessions in her local community centre.
Former family support worker Angela Lynch first started running Bookbug when she worked out of nearby Glenbrae Children's Centre, offering a life line for parents with young families.
But after the roles were taken away as a cost-saving measure by Inverclyde Council, Angela, a former nursery nurse, decided to keep the service going at Auchmountain Halls.
Now every Tuesday they come together for the songs and storytime with a cup of tea and chat in the cafe afterwards as well as special events throughout the year.
Angela said: "I started the Bookbug sessions when I was at Glenbrae as a family support worker.
"They are so busy and the mums rely on it so much. I didn't have the heart to tell them they wouldn't be running.
"I live here, in Leven Road, and community is important to me. Auchmountain Halls is a fantastic facility and the manager, Ann Marie, is so supportive.
"I said that as long as I could, I would continue taking them on a Tuesday morning.
"I love seeing all the little ones and the parents. People rely on the Bookbug sessions, it is as much for them as it is for the babies. It gets them out house and they get a chat afterwards.
"What we do is we ask for a donation and that money is used to do some special events like crafts at Halloween and Christmas."
Angela, who now works on a sessional basis with the Inverclyde Community Food Network, says that she hopes to build on the work she carried out in her previous role.
She said: "I loved being a family support worker and cared passionately about it."
At the Bookbug sessions, all the parents and tots get together in a circle to sing favourites like 'Ali Bali Bee' and 'Miss Polly Had a Dolly'.
Angela added: "Everyone gets to choose their favourite song."
Mum Samantha Bruce, who comes along with one-year-old Leo, said: "It is just brilliant, the Bookbug is the highlight of my week.
"I think it is amazing that Angela runs this for us. It is gret for Leo and we have so much fun.
"But she also does other things for us as well."
The Bookbug session is one of the many activities held regularly at the busy Auchmountain Halls.
To find out more about their classes and groups contact Auchmountain on 01475 791818.
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