An Irvine restaurant says it has been overwhelmed with the kindness of residents after joining a charitable appeal to help those less fortunate over Christmas, writes Andy Hamilton.

The Niche restaurant, in Montgomery Street, has joined in with the “Pending Coffee Appeal”, which allows customers to pay for a coffee, or several, to go to any homeless people who need some festive kindness to help warm their heart.

Colin Malcher said: “It’s been fantastic, the campaign has really grown like wildfire. It’s been really good with a massive amount of interest."

Colin added that some customers have been so generous as to put £10 notes into their pending coffee jar.

The restaurant’s original social media post advertising the appeal has now been shared more than 400 times on Facebook.

On its Facebook page the restaurant said: “We are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of everyone in such a short space of time.

“We couldn’t do it without the support. 

“We never expected the response that we have received.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, let’s keep spreading the word.”