Members of a Barrhead disability group are gearing up for their annual Christmas gathering, thanks to generous donations from local businesses.

Barrhead and Neilston Disability Forum (Band F) had faced a funding shortage of nearly £1,800 while it waited for a Lottery grant to arrive.

But, after chairwoman Margaret Reilly issued a plea to local businesses and East Renfrewshire Council, support soon poured in to plug the gap.

Now the club has organised its festive party, which will see more than 35 members treated to an afternoon of delicious food and fine company.

It takes place at the Dunterlie Resource Centre, in Stewart Street, on Tuesday, December 11.

Mrs Reilly, 70, told the Barrhead News this wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity shown by local businesses.

She said: “I just want to thank them for their support and donations to the club.

“It now means we can have a wee get together, which members otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

Band F has been operating for more than 20 years.

Mrs Reilly said its services provide “a lifeline” for people with disabilities.