HAMPERS filled with essential items will be distributed to good causes across Clackmannanshire this month thanks to a successful appeal organised by a Tillicoultry resident.

Kelly-Marie Hearsum started asking for donations of non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries several months ago, with the intention of putting hampers together around Christmas time.

Several months on, Kelly has been humbled by the amount of donations handed in, and will soon begin distributing the hampers to local charities and other good causes.

It is hoped those organisations can then distribute the contents to their service users.

Kelly told the Advertiser: "With Covid-19 a lot of families will be feeling the pinch especially at Christmas time, so my idea is to help others during this hard time."

Kelly received assistance with her project from her employer, B&M, along with Tillicoultry Beavers group and Tillicoultry Primary School.

One hamper has already been handed over to an individual who reached out to Kelly and asked for help.

The remaining hampers are set to go to groups such as Scottish Autism and Tilly-based Trust Housing, and any items left over will be donated to a foodbank.

Kelly has already reached out to groups to let them know they have a hamper coming their way, and said they were all "so grateful" for the kind gesture.

She said: "It's just about helping the community at such a hard time."

This is not the first time Kelly has organised such a project.

As the Advertiser previously reported back in 2018, Kelly created winter packs for rough sleepers in December, containing warm clothes, food and toiletries.

The following year, she organised a spooky stroll for youngsters, with all money raised from that event going to Strathcarron Hospice.