Work to give Hermitage Park its pride of place as a much-loved community asset is taking major strides forward.

Dedicated volunteers have been rolling up their sleeves to help with a variety of projects aimed at restoring the park to its former glory.

Friends of Hermitage Park are delighted with support shown by volunteers and businesses, and by the positive comments on social media.

Friends chairperson Fiona Baker told the Advertiser that one example of the interest being shown in the work was the fact that news of the restoration of the Cramberry Horse - a 50-year-old children's attraction in the park - had received thousands of likes on Facebook.

She added: "The Cramberry Horse has been a much loved feature of the park for generations - and I can remember playing on it as a child.

"We are delighted that M and T Builders have helped by carefully removing the horse and taking it to Helensburgh Toyota where Rhona Peacock is giving it a completed refurbishment.

"The Navy have also been very supportive with offers of help."

Meanwhile, a new feature in the park - a drystone bench - has been built by the West of Scotland Drystone Walling Association and a team of volunteers.

Now the Friends group are looking forward to the arrival of thousands of perennial plants and trees which will boost the gardens and surrounding areas and give them a fresh new look in the spring.

Soil in the gardens was improved by planting potatoes which have now been harvested.

Fiona said: "We can't sell the potatoes so we are going to donate them to the community.

"Anyone wishing some should come along to the Civic Centre on Friday where we will be giving them away."

Also on the horticultural front, there has been a blitz on invasive weeds and bamboo which were clogging up planting areas.

The focus will fall on the park next month when the Armistice Day service, this year organised by Helensburgh Community Council will take place at the refurbished war memorial.

Fiona added: "It's great to see so many people using the park again and enjoying what it has to offer."