ALARMING figures revealing high levels of child poverty across south ayrshire have prompted a group of women to set up a special group to help make Christmas mean something to youngsters.

South Ayrshire Christmas Toy Bank want children to wake up to something on Christmas morning. Some areas in Ayr have child poverty rates as high as 37 per cent and even areas considered more prosperous including Troon and Prestwick have rates at 15 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

Upwards of 5,000 children live in poverty in South Ayrshire.

The Toy Bank will work on a referral bass, meaning families are referred from social services and charities.

They then aim to provide gifts for children, matched to their interests and age and intend providing a package containing a pair of pyjamas, a toy and selection box and wrapping paper and sellotape or a gift bag.

Toy Bank organisers suggest Alternative Secret Santa - where staff donate a toy or an amount to the Toy Bank instead of buying secret Santa gifts for workmates, or staff can donate a nominal amount on a given date to wear a Christmas-themed jumper and toys can be donated from a list.

For more details, call 07880 645078, satoybank@gmail.com or Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.