AN AYRSHIRE bus operator welcomed some furry special passengers on board one of its services last week as the firm made a special delivery to the Night Before Christmas campaign.

Employees across each of Stagecoach's seven West Scotland depots have been making donations and pledges to fill a single-decker bus, including 500 limited edition Stagecoach teddy bears, selection boxes, and hundreds of little red bags of joy to bring some festive cheer to children and young people this Christmas.

Drop-off hubs were set up at Ayr and Kilmarnock bus stations, with members of the public also encouraged to donate anything they could.

As well as hundreds of donations for charity, the bus operator has been spreading festive cheer with bus drivers dressing as Santa to hand out over 400 advent calendars to children.

Fiona Doherty, managing director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “This year, we’re focusing on the gift of giving.

"Our generous employees from across our local depots have donated hundreds of gifts and pledges to the Night Before Christmas Campaign.”

Ayr Advertiser: Great support (Image: Stagecoach)Great support (Image: Stagecoach) (Image: Stagecoach)

Through this year’s ‘Little Red Bags of Joy’ campaign, the charity aims to support at least 10,000 families.

Jodie McFarlane from the Night Before Christmas initiative added: “With the cost-of-living crisis getting worse, families are really going to struggle this year and make difficult choices between gifts or heating. 

"We’ve seen a massive increase in our referrals, and we’re on a mission to give out 10,000 bags of joy this year. 

"We were over the moon when Stagecoach announced we were their chosen charity for the second year running; their generous donations and support will help us to complete our mission.”