BARRHEAD’S very own Santa has brought some Christmas cheer to the town’s train station.

John Gailley, who works in the station’s ticket office, has used his own cash to pay for an impressive display of decorations that is helping to spread festive spirit among passengers.

The kind-hearted dad-of-one has become the talk of the town for his annual displays, as this is the fourth Christmas in a row that he has added some sparkle to the train station.

John, 50, told the Barrhead News: “I am really just a big kid and love to do this to bring some Christmas spirit to the place.

“It is so nice to see it all coming together every year.

“I do it out of my own pocket and try to mix it up every year with the kind of decorations I bring in.”

This year, John has gone for a classic snowman and Santa scene but, in the past, he has included the likes of a model railway, which he later gave away for free.

And it’s not the only way Barrhead’s own Father Christmas helps to spread joy to children during the festive season.

John, of Braeside Drive, also digs deep into his own pocket to buy selection boxes which he then hands out to children passing through the station.

The former St Luke’s High School pupil used to do the same thing when he worked in the ticket office at Paisley Gilmour Street station.

John, who lives in Barrhead with wife Angie and daughter Shannon, said the only reward he needs for his generosity is seeing a smile on the face of each child he donates gifts to.

He added: “I just think it is really nice for the kids and everyone travelling through the station.

“People give me some really nice comments and I always love to see how much it cheers people up.

“When I used to work at Paisley and do the same thing, they all thought I was off my head but that’s never bothered me.

“At the end of the day, the kids love seeing all of the decorations and that’s the main thing.”