A GROUP that started with 13 people is now welcoming 80 people a week at its get-together in the South-West Hub.

The committee is in its second year and has helped to boost the community spirit in the area.

Members of the group are working hand-in-hand with Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton Community Council to provide the weekly drop-ins and other events in the hall.

(Image: George Munro)

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)Veronica Doherty, chair of the hub, said: "We are getting around eight people at our 'Warm Hands of Friendship' sessions.

"It's been a great success story.

"We provide soup, sandwiches and fruit every week and noodles and hot dogs for the children who come in after school.

"Some of these ladies who didn't know each other at all, have all become friends."

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Joe Cannon, of the Your Voice Recovery Group, who brings group members along to play music, said: "There a great community spirit. A lot of people who come here were born and bred in this area."

Veronica added: "When we first started we had 13 people coming along, then through word of mouth, the numbers kept building up and more people starting coming along each week.

"We have people coming along of all ages, from school kids and families with young children, men and older ladies."

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

The Thursday afternoon drop-in is funded by Big Lottery Funding and Inverclyde Council's Warm Hands of Friendship with support which means they can run the sessions all year round.

Paul Travers, a member of the the community council said: "We work together - it's a partnership."

Mum Mica Docherty, 34, brings along her sons Conan, 6, and Conall, 3, said: "It's a chance to catch up with my family, my mum is on the hall committee and my auntie runs it.

"It's really good, they have a raffle and colouring in for the kids."