VOLUNTEERS and staff gathered at Alloa's new community social hub last week for the grand opening of Give A Dog A Bone.

The charity officially opened last Monday, March 2, and founder Louise Russell was present alongside her staff and their four-legged friends to welcome Wee County passers-by into the premises.

Linsay and Maree will be the permanent staff members at the Alloa space alongside their dogs Toby and Bosta.

Situated on Mar Street in the old liberal building, Give A Dog A bone will offer a range of free services for over 60s plus tea, coffee, biscuits and chats for anyone who wants to stop by.

Louise told the Advertiser: "It was good to get the whole team together for the opening.

"We had a steady flow over the first couple of days which was reassuring, with people from the council popping in as well.

"We went out handing out fliers, telling people what we're all about."

The job now for Louise and her team is to let people know they are there.

This week has seen a range of classes and activities put on for free for over 60s, including chair yoga, reflexology and Spanish for beginners.

The two staff members who will be ever-present in the Alloa space will always have their dogs with them, however Louise was keen to explain how it's not all about dogs and anyone can pop in.

"You don't have to have a dog to come in.

"It's a community space with dogs and free activities for over 60s and drop in availability for the whole community of any age."

For more information on the services Give A Dog A Bone provides, contact louise@giveadogabone.net or 07969 742 858.