STAFF at The Thistles shopping centre in Stirling have been shining a light on the good work done by those at the Bandeeath Stray Dog Shelter.

To mark their 40th anniversary, Thistles launched its 40 Good Deeds initiative as a way to to thank customers and the local community.

Last week they were out and about raising awareness of Bandeath and donated over £230 worth of kongs, toys and indestructible bones.

They took their message out to the streets, with some members of staff taking the opportunity to walk and play with some of the dogs currently being housed within the shelter.

Anne Vines, kennel keeper at Bandeath Stray Dog Shelter, said: "A big thank you to the management team at The Thistles for supporting our efforts here at Bandeath.

"Our wonderful pooches loved getting out and about and having fun in the fresh Stirling air, and it was fantastic to see the response and affection from the public towards the pets, all of whom are waiting on suitable homes.

"We are grateful to The Thistles for helping raise awareness of our work and would encourage anyone considering bringing a dog into their life to please visit Bandeath first and see the adorable dogs we shelter."

A spokesperson for the shopping centre added: "Management were delighted to lend support by spending an afternoon walking and playing with the dogs from the shelter.

"Hopefully we can help to raise awareness of the wonderful work the team does, and encourage any members of the public who may be considering introducing a dog into their home, to first visit Bandeath."

Other initiatives to have taken place so far as part of 40 Good Deeds include hosting a birthday party with 40 competition prizes presented to lucky winners, plus serving up strawberries and cream during Wimbledon week, dishing out Millie's Cookies and Fuel Juice Bars smoothies to 40 customers each time, as well as treating a deserving local family to lunch at Pizza Express.

The project has also brought benefits to the Let's Make It Better Sunlite Café in Stirling which gives people with mental health challenges the opportunity to gain self-confidence and skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

The Thistles is committed to reducing the amount of waste it sends to landfill and to help achieve this a small garden has been created using only items which would otherwise go to landfill.

Everything in the garden, including the planters, raised bed and even the plants has been saved from the centre's waste. Potatoes grown within the garden have been donated to the Sunlite Café.