AN INVERCLYDE community project has been stepping up its efforts to challenge poverty in the area by holding a Halloween-themed session for children and families.

Kids got mask making for the while parents got crafty in the kitchen.

The session was held in Youth Connections in Larkfield as part of the Step Ahead Project to challenge poverty in the area.

Pupils and parents from Aileymill Primary took part in the activities which are usually held in the school during term time.

(Image: George Munro)(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Kay Clark, working on behalf of Youth Connections, said: "It was a lot of fun. Young people are having the opportunity to go to a Halloween event after school at Aileymill at the end of the month.

"There will be a storyteller, food, games and they can wear their masks to save parents buying costumes.

"Parents were in another room for a cookery class. They made tikka masala meatballs with rice and chocolate-filled cookies.

(Image: George Munro)

"The families really enjoy these events, we usually have seven parents and their kids."

Volunteers, lead by Karen Ann Pollock, have also been working on creating community gardens at Youth Connections, Aileymill, St Andrew's Primary and Larkfield Early Learning Centre.

An important part of the initiative is to get people growing their own food and healthy eating.

The project also links in with the Young Start Full STEM Ahead initiative with Morton in the Community.

Kay said: "They work with with young people to access stem activities such as robotics, Lego club, its called Make Do, so when we are working with the parents they come in and do stuff with the kids.

"It's good practice in collaboration. Lots of services are working hand in hand.

"We previously had a cyber security course for parents run by the Access Team Scotland."

The Step Ahead Project is supported by the Big Lottery.