A FIREFIGHTER based at Ayr Community Fire Station has launched a Christmas appeal to help children and young people in her local community.

Watch Commander Vicky Hodge is supporting the charity Night Before Christmas and its ‘Red Bags full of Joy’ campaign.

The charity’s campaign aims to ensure that children and young people between the ages of 0-18 years receive a gift at Christmas.

Vicky is appealing for donations, which can be dropped off at any full-time fire station across Ayrshire.

She will be supported by the station’s Community Action teams, and donations will be collected and then taken to a local village hall, where parcels are made up which are then delivered by volunteering ‘elves’ across the region.

Donations can include essential items such as pyjamas, socks, vests, as well as toys, selection boxes and age-appropriate gift sets for teenagers.

All fire stations and crews across Ayrshire will be contributing to the cause and members of the public can also participate by donating at a station before the deadline of December 2.

Vicky said: “The Night Before Christmas charity is a very worthwhile cause which makes a real impact in the local area.

"There are a lot of people behind the scenes who work very hard to ensure children and young people receive a gift at Christmas.

"The Village Hall does become like Santa’s Grotto and the ‘elves’ have much work to do! The kindness of people across Ayrshire who embrace the true spirit of Christmas is very much appreciated.”

Read more about the charity’s ‘Red Bags full of Joy’ at the Night before Christmas website.

Donations can be dropped off at the following Fire Stations across Ayrshire: Ayr, Dreghorn, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and Ardrossan.