HILLFOOTS Music for Youth (HMFY) held their annual fundraising ceilidh to help support around 150 Clacks youngsters with their ongoing tuition.

Hundreds came out to show support for the event, held on Saturday, November 3, at the Devonvale Hall in Tillicoultry.

In traditional style, there was dancing for all and performances from some of the young musicians of HMFY as well as some rousing marches from piper, Thomas McGregor who opened the ceilidh, with jigs, a slow air and reels from the HMFY Trad Band to follow.

The Academy Singers led by Miss Jenny Nunn interspersed the trad band numbers with some beautiful arrangements of traditional Scottish Songs.

Special mention must go to Jack Robbie, violin, and Joe Woodward on piano.

The ceilidh managed to raise more than £900 which will subsidise all participants for the HMFY residential weekend, which gives all of intermediate and senior ensembles a chance for rehearsal, tuition, along with other activities and sport, at a greatly reduced cost.

The remainder of the money will towards the cost of music, instruments and accessories.

Hillfoots Music for Youth is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation and was established in 1996 to offer the young people in Clackmannanshire and surrounding area the opportunity to participate in ensemble playing if they received tuition on an instrument.

Mandy Kettles, musical director, said: “HMFY receives all income from the proceeds from concerts, fundraisers and donations.

“This money is essential to provide assistance for excursions, the purchase of music, the purchase and maintenance of instruments, insurance and day to day running costs of such an organisation.

“We have approximately 150 young people participating on a weekly basis, and it is fantastic that the organisation continues to support our young people to enjoy music and share their talents with the local community."