AN ALLOA fast food restaurant has launched a fundraising drive for Children in Need and local projects.

McDonalds, located on Clackmannan Road, is calling on its customers to help make a difference to local projects such as the Ochil Youths Community Improvement (OYCI).

The Alloa branch will be joining countless others across the UK in fundraising for BBC Children in Need for the third year in a row to support youth projects.

Elliot Jardine, who owns and operates the Alloa restaurant, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting BBC Children in Need once again and in particular local projects such as Ochil Youths Community Improvement.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do and being able to support projects such as this means so much to the crew and me.

“It’s fantastic to see first-hand the positive impact our fundraising efforts have, and we look forward to supporting more in the future.”

The OYCI is one of the local groups who benefit from cash raised for BBC Children in Need.

The Clacks charity is dedicated to bringing young people in the community together and provides opportunities for personal growth and well-being.

Young people in the Wee County, aged 10-18,  can turn to the OYCI for a range of weekly clubs, workshops and digital youth work.

Shona Ulrichsen, chief officer and founder of OYCI, said: “We’re so grateful to McDonald’s and Elliot Jardine for the support they have given us.

“The funding provided by BBC Children in Need allows us to continue working with young people in our communities and we couldn’t do it without the support of our partners.

“We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership.”

To date, McDonald’s has raised £4million, which has enabled local charities and projects to support more than 25,000 young people all over the country.

Customers at McDonald’s can round up orders at the kiosk to donate to Children in Need or alternatively by donating via the McDonald’s App.