RESIDENTS at a Hillfoots sheltered housing complex have generously donated 100 items to help families facing difficulty.

The residents at Trust Housing Association's Tillicoultry development have taken part in the Captain Tom 100 Challenge, on what would have been the inspirational late fundraiser's 101st birthday on April 30.

They collected more than 100 items of food and household supplies, all generously donated to Tillicoultry Community Larder, which has been supporting families in the area.

Diane Clark, sheltered housing co-ordinator at the Tillicoultry High Street complex, explained the idea came as residents were keen to give back to the community in the Hillfoots.

She said: "The support that we've had since the start of the pandemic from the locals Tillicoultry and surrounding area has been amazing – and especially from Tillicoultry Community Council.

"So we decided as a group we wanted to give back to the community, just to spread the kindness."

It was not the first occasion in recent times that the residents would band together to support people facing difficulty during the pandemic.

In December, a raffle raised £250 which was donated to the community council while another raffle earlier in April netted £201 to support Strathcarron Hospice.

Speaking of the donations which were delivered last week, Diane added: "I'm really proud of the tenants, the families, the carers – everybody that's donated.

"I don't know what our next challenge will be, but we'll find something because I think the pandemic has actually brought people and communities together.

"The support we've had has been totally amazing so we are just trying to repay that in different ways."

Diane also gave a nod of thanks to Rev Alison Britchfield from Tillicoultry Parish Church for the support throughout the pandemic.

Captain Sir Thomas Moore captured the nation's imagination last year when he decided to walk 100 laps around his garden in a bid to raise money for the NHS.

He passed away on February 2 and his daughter Hannah and the rest of his family were encouraging people to take part in the Captain Tom 100 Challenge between April 30 and May 3.

Many took on challenges centred around the number 100, from walking 100 metres to collecting 100 items like the tenants in Tillicoultry.