AN ONLINE community radio station broadcasting from Tillicoultry has launched a Christmas gift appeal to make sure no child goes without this year.

Forth Valley Radio, the brainchild of Clacks man and former Radio Tay DJ Steve Mac, has this month kick-started its Gifts for Kids Appeal.

Listeners and residents in the Wee County are being urged to donate toys or funds while a grand Christmas prize draw is also looking to generate money for the cause.

The idea came as 2020 and coronavirus have been a hammer blow for many in the Forth Valley with Steven and his fellow presenters wanting to ensure families in extreme hardship receive support.

He told the Advertiser: "It's been a harsh and unforgiving year.

"We want to put smiles on the faces of children on Christmas Day."

Collection points for toys and gifts have already been set up.

People can take items to the Forth Valley Radio studio under 63 High Street in Tillicoultry.

The Co-op on the same stretch is also accepting donations.

Those nearer to Stirling can take items to Spaced Out Grafix at the Springkerse Industrial Estate.

Alternatively, call 01259 751 121 to arrange a collection.

A number of businesses also got behind the prize draw, which will take place live on air on Friday, December 11.

There are more than £1,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, which people can enter for a donation of at least £10.

Prizes include a £500 voucher at Sterling Furniture in Tillicoultry, a golf day out for four at Gleneagles and £300 worth of Amazon vouchers from Tom Munro Financial Solutions Ltd in Falkirk.

The Inn at Dollar and the Mansfield Arms, the Royal Oak, the Inn at Muckhart are offering prizes too.

Aitken and Wilson butchers are also providing vouchers while supermarkets Morrisons and Tesco are providing toys for the cause.

Radio host Steve added: "You've got to be in it to win it."

For more details on the prize draw and the initiative, residents in the area can head to forthvalleyradio.co.uk/gift-for-kids and register.

People can visit bit.ly/3pEjpaS to donate directly.