AN ALLOA charity celebrates 10 years of positive impact on Clacks communities this month.

The Gate charity began its story in 2011 when it was founded by a small group of members from Ludgate Church and three people from that group of founders now sit on the charity's board of trustees.

However, the work of The Gate started long before that, through the formation of a soup pot some three years earlier.

Reflecting back on 10 years of giving back to the community, chairperson Evelyn Paterson said: "When we started The Gate, our goal was to create a safe and welcoming space, open to all, to access support when they needed it most: a place where everyone would be treated equally, with dignity and respect.

"Our main purpose, which governs our charity, is to prevent or relieve poverty and improve the conditions of life of people who are homeless, vulnerable or socially isolated.

"Through our projects, I believe we have remained true to that cause.

"We see this 10-year milestone as an opportunity to reflect on achievements and the impact that The Gate has had on many lives across the county.

"It's also, sadly, a reminder that after 10 years, the services of The Gate are still needed, probably more so than they were 10 years ago so our work must continue."

The anniversary of The Gate is also an opportunity to celebrate the significant impact that the charity has made to their local communities, all of which has relied on the selfless support of the trustees and many volunteers.

Val Rose, trustee, said: "We wish to extend our thanks to everyone who has been involved with The Gate over the past 10 years.

"We have become a real place of hope for so many and it is only possible because of the support of the community."

The generosity of the community has also been vital in the services that The Gate can offer.

Treasurer Anne Marchant said: "We are extremely grateful for all the donations that have been given to us over the past decade and we want to say thank you for making a difference through your compassion and generosity."

Despite looking back on 10 years of work in the community, there is still ambition to do even more.

Plans are in place to redevelop the existing site to make it a place where The Gate can continue to increase its impact, to launch new projects and make a practical change to the lives of the people of Clackmannanshire.

Rita McNeil, trustee, said: "We are so excited about the future and how we can continue to help people form our community."

Visit the-gate-charity.org or search The Gate Charity on Facebook for more information.