BARRHEAD Travel has partnered with Barnardo’s this December to spread festive cheer amongst some of the most disadvantaged children in Scotland.

“Secret Santa done differently” was set up across the travel agent's branch network, with over 200 employees volunteering to donate a special Christmas gift to a child from a local Barnardo’s programme in their area of Ayr.

Lee Johnstone, Fundraising Lead for Barnardo’s Scotland said: “The generosity of Barrhead Travel employees throughout Scotland who have donated some wonderful presents to children and young people we support in the communities local to each of their stores has been incredibly heart-warming.”

“Christmas is unfortunately not always the special and magical time it should be for some but thanks to Barrhead Travel staff’s kindness, the children receiving these gifts won’t go without. Thank you so much to all who contributed, we are so thankful and rest assured they are going to great homes!”

Each Barrhead Travel employee was paired with a child and young people between the age of one to 25, and over £2000 was spent on gifts including make and create kits; football boots; board games; teddy bears; and Lego.

Barrhead Travel visited the Glasgow Family Learning Service centre on Thursday, December 13 to deliver their Christmas gifts, alongside Santa himself.

Sharon Munro, President of Barrhead Travel said: “We are delighted to be able to bring such happiness to vulnerable children at this of year. No child should go without a gift at Christmas and our team at Barrhead Travel are thrilled to be in a position to be able to help those in need.”