THERE were Christmas gifts, home-made baking and chit-chat aplenty as Neilston Girls’ Brigade held its annual table-top sale.

Visitors of all ages gathered at Neilston Parish Church on Saturday to lend their support to the event, which brought out the inner festive cheer in all those in attendance.

Usually the base for all Girls’ Brigade activities, the church acted as a makeshift Santa’s grotto as kids and parents made a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Cups of tea and coffee were supplied on a near-constant basis as guests tucked into a tasty array of treats on offer at the different stalls and tried their luck during a well-supported raffle.

Organisers are still totting up the final tally, which will be put towards future Girls’ Brigade activities.

However, it is expected the total will boost the group’s funds significantly.

Last year’s table-top sale generated almost £300 through merchandise and ticket sales.

Neilston Girls’ Brigade then used the money to cover the costs of an Easter camping trip.

Members of the Girls’ Brigade meet in the hall at the parish church on Mondays.

Those in primary one to three take part in Explorers gatherings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Both the Junior group, for primary four to seven, and the Seniors, for high school pupils, meet from 7pm to 8.15pm.

There are also Monday night sessions for the Brigaders between 7.30pm and 8.45pm.

For more information, contact Brigade captain Annette McKinnon on 0770 924 8654.