North Ayrshire’s libraries are encouraging residents to donate party clothes to their Christmas clothes drive.

Donations can be handed in to any North Ayrshire library until the end of Friday, December 2 after which they will be given to babies, children, and young adults from low-income households on Saturday morning.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Islands and Communities commented: “No matter how small the donation seems, every item of clothing donated is going to make such a difference during a time when many people are worried about the financial strain associated with the festive period.

“We hope that by sharing the spirit of the party season that children and youngsters will feel confident with a spring in their step as they attend school Christmas parties and other festive celebrations.

“So, I would urge all residents - who are able to do so - to please get involved and help us to spread some much-needed festive cheer and seasonal magic to those who otherwise might not have the chance to enjoy many surprises over the Christmas period.”

Items can be new or old – as long as they’re clean and in good condition – and any party suitable clothes such as dresses, suits, shirts, trousers, and jumpers as well as baby grows, hats, and mittens are welcome.

Kilwinning-based charity Random Acts of Kindness has already given a “generous” donation of Christmas jumpers to Irvine Library.

The Christmas clothes drive follows a book drive that saw North Ayrshire residents donate books to local libraries so that they could be given as gifts to people from low-income backgrounds.