Members of a Gourock Church are more than halfway to raising £80,000 to enable them to make the church accessible to all

Gourock Baptist Church on King Street not only welcomes people in for services but is also used by a variety of groups in the community including toddlers groups, Slimming World, Taekwon Do and dance academies.

The building, which has been part of the community since 1895, has no disabled access or dedicated facilities and with the church having entrance steps and being on a hill members decided it was time for change.

A variety of fundraising events have already generated £45,000.

The target of £80,000 will allow them to install a lift at the entrance, fit a disabled toilet and modify the kitchen area.

One member of the fundraising group, Allan Morrison, said: “The church really is used by the whole community but there are people who are struggling to access the church due to the steep hill and steps.

“It is an old building and it just needs updated so we are trying to raise the money needed to make it accessible to all.

“We have already raised more than half the money and can’t thank everyone enough for their help and generous donations.

"We have more fundraisers organised to try and reach our target.”

Minister Reverend Ian Millar says he's overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the community and has thanked everyone for their support.

He said: “I am really pleased with what we have achieved so far, we have had tremendous support not only locally but from right across Scotland and from other churches.

“If things continue as they are now I think we will achieve our fundraising target.

"We will just carry on fundraising until we have reached it.”

Although no provisional date has been set for work to begin, planning permission is in place.

Rev Millar said: “The changes will make a substantial difference to all in the community who use the church as well as some of our more elderly members.”

The next event is a silent auction on Saturday August 4, which will run from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Entry is priced at £2 and includes a tea or coffee.

Pictured are Allan Morrison, Norman McCarey, Lorna Morrison, Mairi McCarey and Rev Ian Millar