The chairman of the Scottish Sailing Institute has said if the proposed Pencil Bay jetty project had fallen through then the local bay would have lost out on three major sailing tournaments over the coming years.

Mr John Kent, who is also principle of Inverclyde Sports Centre, told the "News" this week that he was pleased that North Ayrshire Council had granted the Pencil Bay jetty project which he believes will have significant benefits.

In the southeast corner of Pencil Bay, the Sailing Institute are proposing to infill an area leading from the current shore path seawards, and provide a perforated concrete block ramp, which they say grass can grow through allowing it to blend with the shoreline.

The SSI believe the plans - which recently sparked a local campaign to "Save Pencil Bay" - could bring around �1 million per year into the town and attract Olympic and World Championship level events.

For rest of story, read Largs and Millport Weekly News.