A SHOPPING outlet in the Wee County has reached a milestone in supporting a charity at the end of last month.

As Sterling Mills celebrated its 20th anniversary over the weekend of April 27 and 28, another important figure was emerging with collections for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

The retail outlet has been supporting the charity since 2016 and has now racked up £10,511 in donations in that time.

The birthday weekend saw a carnival atmosphere with a circus school, inflatables, stilt walkers, face painting and balloon modelling while cash kept flowing in for CHAS.

Other initiatives in the past three years like the annual Santa's Grotto, Easter weekend and other themed events such as the Super Hero Saturday have all contributed.

Ashleigh Durkin, of Sterling Mills, said: "We are delighted to arrive at this fundraising milestone as we reach a very big milestone of our own – we're 20 years old.

"We are proud and thankful to the visitors and staff at Sterling Mills who give so generously to this amazing charity.

"We're excited to continue supporting the wonderful work CHAS do and reaching our next target."

CHAS offers palliative care and respite for families with children who have life-shortening conditions both at its hospices and through support at home.

Lyndsay Stobie, community fundraiser at CHAS, added: "We owe Sterling Mills a debt of gratitude for everything they've done and continue to do to raise money for CHAS, placing family events at the heart of their social activity.

"The proceeds go towards the sustainability of care that CHAS gives to so many babies, children, young people and their families, whether it's dedicated nurse care, a week of respite, a simple meal or a hydrotherapy session. Happy 20th anniversary to them."

Visit chas.org.uk for more about the charity, including volunteering opportunities.