TEENAGERS working with Forth Valley College have handed over a cheque to The Gate in Alloa, following a successful fundraiser last Easter.

School link students, based in the department of access and progression, organised a take away café on Thursday, March 30, in the Alloa Campus.

The group served up tea, coffee as well as a selection of Easter goodies, and were supported by lecturer Helen Christie and Evelyn Smith, FVC additional support worker.

And earlier this month, students Lewis Boyle, 16, from Lornshill Academy, along with Rhannon Cove and Liam Rowley, both from Stirling High School, were at The Gate to present the cash raised.

David Gentles, learning resource assistant, who also helped in the fundraising event, said: "The café was a great success and was supported by students and staff across the Alloa campus who enjoyed a wide selection of goodies, including: scones, chocolate cake, lemon drizzle cake, shortbread and fresh hotcross buns.

"The selection of goodies were all freshly made by the students, who worked hard throughout the event to make it a success.

"We were over the moon to present £77.21 to the Gate charity. The event was a huge success and the students who were involved would particularly like to thank all the students and staff who visited the café and supported them in their fundraising activities."

The students were keen to thank Marie Brownhill, Anne McLennan, Howard Townshend, Val Rose and Margaret Van Der Merwe from the Gate charity.

On the day, the volunteers brought along a wide variety of information, detailing the various activities which The Gate coordinates, including the operation of a community café, a crisis foodbank, as well as producing starter packs for homeless people moving into their first tenancies, a school uniform bank and much more besides.

Marie Brownhill, manager of The Gate manager, said: "We were delighted to receive the very kind donation from the college and we were all very pleased with the students hard work.

"We are currently making plans to develop our centre so every penny counts. As a voluntary led organisation we heavily rely upon continuous funding and local support to operate our projects."

Ms Christie, access and progression lecturer, added: "After visiting The Gate - a fantastic organisation which carries out practical help to promote positive change for people living in the local community, David Gentles and I decided to plan a fundraiser by holding an Easter bake sale at the Alloa campus.

"The School Link student group enjoyed the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills and were delighted to visit Marie who manages The Gate and find out how it works and benefits local people. The funds presented will go directly to help people and families living in Clackmannanshire."

For more information on what The Gate offers within the community, visit the-gate-charity.org