The Greenock and District Sea Cadets are on a crest of a wave after work on a new slipway, funded by a local charitable trust, was completed.

The cadets have a fantastic facility at the town's Great Harbour, having moved site recently, but found that getting in and out of the water was proving difficult..

They appealed to the newly-formed Newark Trust who were delighted to help.

And the ribbon has now been cut to officially open the new facility.

The young Sea Cadets used their artistic talents to thank the Newark Trust for its support. (Image: Sea cadets)

The group's chairman and commanding officer, Jim Hearl, met with the Trust’s charity manager Claire Stone and put forward a case for consideration.

They kept in regular contact and the result was an offer from the trust with the support they needed to press ahead with the new slipway.

Jim said: "The slipway will prove to be an invaluable asset to the cadets, giving them safety and ease to get on and off the water on site.

"After the slipway was built, we thought it only right and fitting to allow the trustees to have a look at what they had funded and the benefits it will bring to the local community.

The Newark Trust was officially launched earlier this year, with backing of £100,000 from Port Glasgow firm McLaren Packaging.

Its vision is to improve the lives, health and welfare of people in Inverclyde and create opportunities for a positive future - in particular by fighting child poverty and supporting children with disabilities.

A plaque records the Trust's contribution to the slipway for future generations. (Image: Sea cadets)

Founded by brothers Michael and Donald McLaren, who run the packaging firm, the trust revealed in August that it had handed out £70,000 to good causes across Inverclyde in its first four months in operation.

In addition to the Sea Cadets, the Trust has also provided financial support to able2sail, an accessible sailing charity based at Inverkip Marina, Parklea Branching Out, and the Be-inn Unity social enterprise to support young people in Inverclyde.

Our picture shows Jennifer McLaren cutting a ribbon to officially open the slipway and Michael McLaren and Finlay Campbell unveiling a plaque to commemorate the laying of the new slipway.

Any local organisations who believe the Newark Trust could support their work can find out more by emailing Claire on claire@thenewarktrust.org.