FORMER Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie has paid a heart felt tribute to political titan John Prescott by looking back at his famous visits to the area.

The death of John Prescott, who served as depute prime minister when Labour swept to power under Tony Blair in 1997, has promoted a massive response from many in politics and beyond.

In Greenock, ex councillor Iain McKenzie recalled the larger than life character taking off his shoes, socks and putting his legs in a fish tank in the Oak Mall. 

(Image: Newsquest) Prescott joined Iain on the campaign trail during the by-election in 2011, which he then went on to win, and spent the day charming the locals.

Iain, who later lost his seat in 2015, said: "I spent the day with him touring the streets of Greenock where we knocked on doors.

"He then went on walk about in Greenock Oak Mall where he famously removed his shoes and socks rolled up his trouser legs and sat with his feet in a tank of fish whilst chatting to people passing by. 

"When in Dunlop Street he disappeared and we were very worried as he hadn't been seen for about 30 minutes. 

"A search found him sitting in someone's back garden having a cup of tea and a chat.

"What a guy and what a campaigner. I had great conversations with him as we drove from campaign point to campaign point in Inverclyde."

The by-election took place following the death of MP David Cairns with national figures including the late Alex Salmond, Labour's leader at the time Ed Miliband, and former foreign secretary David Miliband all visiting the area.