AROUND 100 people flocked to Hope Community Church's very first family fun day.

Kids enjoyed playing on bouncy castles, getting their faces painted, making autumn crafts and getting tucked into party food, while parents caught up for a cuppa and chat at the get-together.

The church's Pastor Ian Stevenson said: "It was really great, we had so many people coming in from the community, just enjoying themselves.

"Kids were bouncing on the bouncy castles, getting their faces painted and playing games.

"It made me happy to see them happy.

"It was very encouraging. We had close to 100 people on the day."

(Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: alex craig) Pastor Ian said the event was such a success that he is now hoping to run another edition next year.

He added: "This is the first time we have run such an event. We held a fun day at to coincide with the end of the half-term bible club.

"We thought it would be a fun way to bring their families along and open it up to the whole community and we are hoping to hold another event in the better weather."

The popular churchman said feedback from families about the event had been very positive. 

He continued: "People were delighted to come along to something that was free and where they didn't have to spend anything on the kids to have a good time."

The clergyman moved from Northern Ireland to Inverclyde with his wife Gillian and three children to lead the church almost three ago.

He said the move had been 'refreshing' and added that he and his family had quickly formed close links with the local community. 

He told the Tele: "It's been very good, and the folk are very similar here to the folk back home in Northern Ireland. Our family have settled in very well."

(Image: alex craig) (Image: alex craig) (Image: ALEX CRAIG) (Image: alex craig) (Image: alex craig)

Pastor Ian has recently been involved in running a playgroup every Monday between 10am and noon, which has also been a hit with locals.

He added: "It had been so popular unfortunately we have to close the doors early because we are over-capacity, so I would advise families to come along early."

(Image: ALEX CRAIG)