A SPECIAL service is taking place this weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a much loved youth group in Gourock.

The 3rd Gourock Boys' Brigade Anchors - for the youngest age group from primary one to three - will mark the milestone on Sunday.

Old Gourock & Ashton Church will welcome former leaders and boys to join them.

Reflecting on her own time as leader-in-charge, Gail Gavin said: "It’s been a great honour to run this section for our boys in primaries 1 to 3.

"I’ve many happy memories from our weekly meetings where our focus is very much on having fun.

"I often have a tear in my eye when boys are promoted on to the next age group.

"Two of our former members have gone on to be company captains, including our current captain.

"We are always looking for new members – they can join at any time.”

The Anchors group of 3rd Gourock Boys' Brigade was founded in August 1973 by the late Florence McGeachan.

In that time the group has welcomed around 600 Inverclyde boys to it ranks.

Most members have gone on to progress through the Juniors and Company sections with several going on to being leaders within the group.

The group started in Old Gourock Parish Church and weekly meetings have continued in the church halls.

The service to mark the milestone takes place in Old Gourock & Ashton Parish Church on Sunday April 21 at 10am.

Former members and leaders are invited to join with the boys and leaders and to share in the celebrations in the church and in the church halls immediately after the service.

For those not able to join in person the service will be broadcast live through the Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church Facebook page.