A Clyde shipyard is to be leased a plot of land to help with the expansion of its workforce.

Ferguson Shipyard in Port Glasgow will be leased part of a local park by Inverclyde Council to help the owners with plans to expand the site.

It comes more than a year-and-a-half after the shipyard was rescued from administration, when it was taken over by Clyde Blowers Capital, which is owned by leading businessman Jim McColl.

A section of Coronation Park will be leased to Ferguson Marine Engineering which plans to use the plot as a new car park for workers.

The council's environment and regeneration committee agreed to the move, which will see the plot leased following a payment equivalent to the value of the land.

It will revert back to the council at the date of expiry or if the lease is ended early should the land not be used for car parking for shipyard workers or is no longer required for that purpose.

A public consultation was carried out on the initial proposal which attracted three responses, two of which were in support with suggestions on how to proceed and one which was an objection.

Convener councillor Michael McCormick said: "Ferguson Marine approached the council looking to use the land for car parking for the proposed increase in its workforce.

"The company is investing heavily in the area and recently announced it is taking on 150 new apprentices as well as securing a near £100m order for new ferries.

"Ferguson Marine will, I am sure, play a vital role in the local economy of Port Glasgow and Inverclyde for many years to come and it is important we try to accommodate their needs along with that of the local community.

"A long-term lease arrangement is ideal in that it gives the company the land it is looking for while retaining it in public ownership."

He added: "Some of the most valuable assets in the Council owns is land and it is important that we take care in how it is used, sold or leased.

"This arrangement will ensure the public continue to enjoy Coronation Park while allowing a major investor in Inverclyde the freedom to build its business and create jobs and economic benefits to Inverclyde."