AMBITIOUS plans to create Largs first ever Parkrun have been unveiled.

Alan Peddie is hoping to encourage residents to take part in the weekly 5km timed event along the prom to bring the community together and improve health and wellbeing among locals.

The Parkrun phenomenon has become a global sensation with over two million runners participating in runs across the world every Saturday.

Having suggested the idea online, Alan has already gained interest from people happy to volunteer - with a local GP and schools also keen to get involved.

He said: "I initially thought of the idea probably for selfish reasons because I enjoy running and liked the idea of doing it with other people.

"But Parkrun is such a great initiative for encouraging people of any ability to get up and moving.

"It not only improves physical health but it can be a great way of improving people's mental wellbeing and making them feel a part of something.

"It is open to everyone. Participants can run as fast as they like or as leisurely as they want to. They can walk, push a pram or bring the dog. It can be done however people like, it is about participation not competition.

"I attended the event in Eglington to see how it worked and it was absolutely fantastic, the number of people attending was incredible.

"The GP's surgery has already shown an interest as it would allow them to direct people struggling with physical or mental health to the event and encourage them to join in.

"The run would be along the prom to the Pencil and back. It would be a great way of either making new friends or catching up with pals."

People can take part or members can volunteer to mark the course or keep time or aid anyone needing a hand.

Alan is hoping to launch the Parkrun under the umbrella of the Largs Environmental Group and is encouraging as many people as possible to pull on their trainers and get involved.

To find out more contact Alan at alan.peddie@ed.ac.uk