A building on Ayr High Street formerly used as an illegal cannabis farm has been transformed into Narnia for a children’s charity who plan to save Christmas.

Through magical cupboard doors – a nod to the famous children’s book by C.S Lewis – lies Ayr’s very own Narnia.

It is now officially the new hub for The Night Before Christmas, a charity which provides special Christmas Eve boxes for children who would otherwise be without.

Ayr Advertiser:

The new amazing space was unveiled on Saturday, September 26 with a grand reveal which saw Voice Kids star Blair Gilmour perform.

Jodie McFarlane set up the charity inspired by her daughter Tygan, then 12, five years ago. Tygan also sang at the opening ceremony.

Ayr Advertiser:

Jodie told the Advertiser: “It was a last minute dash. We were in at 10pm the night before and early morning on the Saturday.

“I’ve just lived and breathed tinsel for the last few weeks.”

Ayr Advertiser:

Local politicians dropped in to the grand opening with Allan Dorans MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Philippa Whitford MP for Ayrshire Central and Alloway Doonfoot councillor Siobhian Brown paying a visit.

Ayr Advertiser:

Jodie said: “It was great to see the word get out for them all to visit to have a look at what we are doing.

“We had members of the public in and took them up in limited numbers.

“The kids all loved it which was so important.”

Ayr Advertiser:

We told how the charity were seeking skilled volunteers to get the base off the ground and their calls were answered.

Jodie said: “I have to thank Kenny and Liz Hutchison both retired teachers, with Kenny doing a lot of the joinery work required.

Ayr Advertiser:

“Kirsten, who is a painter and decorator, came and painted the floors and the ceilings. Karen Watson was in there every single day. Alicia, 18, was in most days offering to help.

A local plumber Barry Thomson did all the toilets free of charge which was crucial to us being able to open safely.

“Adam and Euan and Tsukure Hub have just been fantastic for us as well.”

All focus in now on Christmas 2020 for the charity who are determined to make a difference to local children this year.

You can find out more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/thenight

beforechristmasboxes/.