A Saltcoats pensioner is opening her gates to host a nautical themed garden party for charity.

Eve Stenhouse’s annual garden open day takes place this Saturday (August 4) in support of another charity close to her heart.

Last year’s event raised money for Cancer Research in honour of several of Eve’s relatives who were at the time receiving treatment for the disease.

This time, Eve is raising funds for the Heart and Lung Foundation in support of her brother, 88-year-old retired diver James Sinclair. James was the chief diver during the building of the Forth Road Bridge and is one of the few remaining ‘hard-hat divers’ alive in the country.

In honour of James’ former profession, Eve’s is having a nautical theme for her party.

Eve said: “Last time it was Cancer Research, this year it’s heart and lung. Divers don’t get cancer, divers get heart and lung conditions.

“My brother, he should be dead umpteen times that boy! He’s mentioned in a book ‘Last of the Hard Hat Divers’. There are very few of them left.

“He was the chief diver in the Forth Road Bridge. James put all the pylons down. There’s a film, ‘The Bridge 50 Years On’. I’m hoping, if I can get a copy, to be able to show it in the background at the party.

“There will be pirates and sailors on the day! I’m dressing as a sailor and some of my friends who are serving the sangria are coming as pirates.”

Eve’s nautical event is at 25 Christie Gardens, Saltcoats, 12-4pm.

Entry is £1.