A WEE COUNTY woman has hailed the community spirit shown by residents after collecting donations which will be gifted to families for Christmas.

For the past five years, Sharon McCafferty has collected gifts for families in Clacks who can't otherwise afford them, after wanting to give something back to the community.

Sharon worked as a family social worker for Clacks Council for a number of years, witnessing first-hand the struggles some families endured during the festive period.

After leaving her role, she and two former colleagues, Margaret Ure and Lynsay Hill, decided they would see if there was any interest in collecting gifts from the public for those in need.

Sharon told the Advertiser the response was overwhelming. She said: "I left [the council] but kept in touch with Margaret. We had a chat about what we could do to give back and what ways we could offer support.

"A former colleague had set up a Facebook group in Glasgow looking for gift donations for families so we decided to do that and appealed to see if there was any interest."

Margaret still worked for the council so was able to work out what families needed the most, and as the idea grew, the ladies got in touch with heads of schools to ask what specific families needed, so they could request certain items, including toiletries and clothes.

Since the idea began in 2014 it has "grown arms and legs", according to Sharon, who said they gave out gifts to 250 families last year with nearly 200 on the list for this year.

Sharon said: "We made the appeal again this year and worked out what we needed in terms of ages, genders etc.

"The Alloa Round Table have been amazing this year and donated a huge amount of money which has helped so much.

"With their money we have been able to buy clothes which are a bit cooler for the kids.

"Adult gifts are also donated, stuff like gift sets and chocolates, but we mainly aim for the kids."

For the past week, Sharon has driven around Clackmannanshire collecting gifts from people who wish to donate, but says it is the "least she can do" when people are willing to part with their cash to help others.

She also praised the generosity of the Wee County people, adding that it means so much more at this time of year.

Sharon wished to pay a huge thanks to the round table for their "amazing donation", as well a big thank you to Margaret and Lynsay, who she says make this all possible.