HAWKHILL youngsters have enjoyed the “time of their lives” in Pitlochry thanks to the fundraising efforts of a Fishcross couple.

Andrew and Kirsten Huggen took on the unenviable task of walking the West Highland Way – including battling through a blizzard – to raise money to allow the kids to enjoy a holiday.

The group of 10 youngsters enjoyed four days of activities in Perthshire, including white water rafting and gorge walking.

A spokeswoman for the Hawkhill Community Centre said: “They had a brilliant four days trying out all sorts of activities in Pitlochry. This involved a great deal of team work and trust within the group. Our young people behaved impeccably and this is all down to the hard work and dedication from our staff and volunteers.

“For the past year Shirley-Anne Smith, our Youth Development Officer, has been working with our Responsible Young Citizens Group nurturing them and instilling in them that you are not given everything for free in this life, so it is nice to give something back.

“They have been out and about in their own free time doing litter picks and donating planters and bulbs to local supermarkets and the fire station. If anyone needs a hand with small gardening tasks, the young people try their best to help out.

“They are working towards their John Muir Trust awards and we are extremely proud of them. I would like to express my thanks to Kirsten & Drew Huggen who have made this all possible.

“I have to say the biggest thanks goes to our wonderful staff and volunteers for giving up their free time to make this happen.”

Walking across the space of eight days, some of the highlights of the trip included the beautiful scenery and meeting new people.

The donations that rolled in throughout its duration kept them going and they updated friends, family and supporters with a designated Facebook page.

Andrew said: "I just want to say thank you to absolutely everybody that made donations – it doesn't matter how big their donations were."

He added: "I would love to do it again but I don't think it will be anytime soon – maybe in another 10 years or so."

"No matter how prepared you think you are, it's still challenging."

The couple raised £820 and money from a collection pot at Hawkhill brought the total to £1000.