A DALRY man has set up an amazing Hallowe’en display in his front garden in a bid to raise money for his local foodbank.

Stephen McDowall, of 44 Wingate Avenue, and his friend Gavin Kilday spent 10 days decorating to create a spectacle for kids in the area and beyond to enjoy.

Gavin said: “Stephen has decorated his garden for the last four years, but he went all out this year because of what’s happening at the moment.

“He wanted to raise the kids’ morale a wee bit since they won’t get to go trick or treating.”

“We’ve had people from across Ayrshire, and from Johnstone and Glasgow too.”

Visitors have been donating tins of food, as well as money which will also go to the foodbank based at Dalry Community Centre.

Stephen, 54, is urging people to come and enjoy the display and contribute to the cause if they can.

He said: “The first night a person came along with their six year old daughter, and they handed me two cans of food.

“They told me that they’d used the foodbank before, but they still wanted to help out. It spoke volumes and I knew I’d done the right thing.

“If you can’t make it down to see the decorations, there’s lots of pictures and videos online.

“If you’re not able to donate here, please try and donate to your local foodbank because I can assure you there are definitely people in your area who need it.”

As well as providing the display, Stephen is holding a competition for children to get involved in.

The kids are being encouraged to get dressed up in their favourite Hallowe’en costume and post a picture of it on Facebook tagging Stephen.

Vouchers have been donated by JR McInnes paper shop in Dalry as prizes for winners and five runners-up, and Stephen’s friend in America will be judging the contest.

Stephen said he is also planning something special for Christmas this year and will, again, be fundraising for the foodbank.

He asks that visitors be mindful of current guidelines and maintain social distancing.

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