Hugs and tears for leavers at primary schools across Inverclyde

There were hugs and some tears as P7 pupils left school for the very last time across Inverclyde.

These youngsters at St Andrew's Primary, wearing shirts signed by their classmates, were given a fine send off with a guard of honour, ticker tape, as they look forward to a new chapter in their lives.

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)

(Image: Freelancer)

(Image: Freelancer)

While emotional parents armed with mobile phones recorded the event.

One couple whose daughter Amber was leaving school said they had a tear in their eyes.

Valerie Mains, 45, who has three sons from a previous marriage, was there with her husband Stuart.

She said: "It's been very emotional because Amber is our only daughter.

"I am on the PTA for St Andrew's so I have been involved a lot with the school and did a lot of work for their prom."

"Amber loves helping the Primary 1s and she is a house captain.

"It's been a great school and their P7 teacher Miss Fleming has been fantastic."

Stuart said: "Amber is my first child, it's a big step going to high school."

The couple also have a son Robin, 9, who is at the school.

Some children wore their ties as a bandana while others  secured them on the school fence as a a reminder.

Chris Knox and Louise Houston, whose daughter Grace also left  that day, said: "It was so emotional, she's so grown up, we can't believe she is going to high school, can't believe any of them are."

Leaver Emily Lafferty's parents Pamela Lewis and Ryan Lafferty said it was a lovely day.

Ryan said: "It was lovely for the school to have a guard of honour at the end."

Teacher Olivia Fleming said: "They have been the best year ever and I am gutted they are leaving."