Around 700 local residents and their families and friends enjoyed a wide range of stalls, activities and entertainment. Some of the highlights included Barnie the interactive T Rex and Dino dig pits, Cartoon Masterclasses, Face Painting as well as the usual tombola’s, raffles and games. This was mixed with information and craft stalls throughout Greenock Town Hall and much more.

The Association’s director, Paul McVey, was delighted at the turnout and the success of the event: “We try to put on an event every couple of years to give a bit back to the community and provide a fun day out. The staff work really hard to organise the day and are a real credit to the Association. It is important to us that this event is free for people to come to and enjoy with their friends and family and we couldn’t do that without the additional support of our contractors and partners who generously donate funds for this event.

“All of the stallholders were all delighted with the number of people attending the event and there was a genuine positive vibe about the whole day. It’s fitting that in our 50th year we have held one of our most successful Gala Day’s to date and celebrated that achievement with our local communities.”

The event was closed with an outstanding acoustic session from local indie rock band, Black Dove, who supported Texas last Sunday at Party at the Palace in Linlithgow.

All monies raised from the Gala Day will be donated to the Association’s recognised charities for this year – Compassionate Inverclyde, Crohns and Colitis UK and Underheugh Ark Rescue.