The Greenock Telegraph – thought to be Scotland’s oldest evening newspaper – celebrated its 150th anniversary with a civic reception.

Current and former staff of the Telegraph joined local dignitaries and other top public figures from Inverclyde at Greenock Town Hall for the celebration dinner.

Provost Michael McCormick paid tribute to the paper during his after-dinner speech.

He said: “It is hard to believe that the Greenock Telegraph is 150 years old and still going strong as an integral part of life here in Inverclyde.

“It is a tribute to the quality of the paper that it has been hitting the streets of Inverclyde for one-and-a-half centuries.

“There are not many papers from 1857 that are still publishing today.

“In fact, the Greenock Telegraph is Scotland’s oldest evening newspaper.”

Steve Povey, general sales manager of the Tele, spoke about the future of the paper and Inverclyde.

He said: “This anniversary could be seen as the re-birth of your Tele because the next 150 years will witness constant change in how we deliver news and services across the community.

“To satisfy our community’s needs we are constantly investing in the latest technology so that in print, digitally or electronically, we are continuing to deliver.

“While we heartily celebrate a wonderful past, we are now absolutely focused on the future.”

Deirdre Romanes, chief executive of Clyde and Forth Press, accepted an engraved glass vase from the council, presented by Provost McCormick.

Other guests especially invited were Douglas Rae, chairman of Greenock Morton, Andy McGilp, development manager at Inverclyde Leisure and newsagent Ronnie Ramsay.