INVERCLYDE'S best poker players are keeping their cards close to their chest as they put down a winning hand for a much loved local charity.

Local organiser Jamie Cairns and his fellow card players scored a full house at Lady Alice Bowling Club in aid of the Ardgowan Hospice.

The weekly card nights are a real royal flush with dozens of players taking a seat at the table to join in with the sessions.


OTHER NEWS: John McMaster meets Inverclyde pupils at Greenock poetry day


And it has proved a high scoring straight for the bowling club in Greenock which is transforming into a community hub.

Lady Alice Bowling Club poker nightLady Alice Bowling Club poker night (Image: George Munro)

Now thanks to the success of the poker tournaments they have recently donated £760 to help care for cancer patients.

Jamie, 35, from Greenock, said:  "The poker nights in Lady Alice have been a great success. People come along to have a game from all over Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. 

"Lady Alice is a great venue and they are really supportive. We like to give back to the local community by organising a charity game at the end of every season."

The winner of the charity competition this time round was player Stuart McFarlane, 39, from Greenock.

He said: "I chose the Ardgowan Hospice because it is a charity that has helped so many people and they make a real difference.

"I love coming for a game of poker and playing in the league. It is a great fun and a good night every week."

The Bobo And Jack 7 league has been based in Lady Alice every Monday night for over two years, playing seven seasons, which lasts for three months.

At the end of every season they have  a competition and the winner gets to donate to a charity of their choice.

Jamie, who works in after school care, started playing poker online and has tried his hand as a professional.

He now runs the local league with around 40 players.

Lady Alice chairman John Clocherty is over the moon to welcome the local poker league into the club.

They have a range of activities throughout the week including bingo and they also fundraise tirelessly for local good causes.

John added: "We are very proud of our facilities here now and we are here of the local community to use. Jamie's poker nights are great."