The Argyle Community Larder in Saltcoats got a festive boost of more than £900, thanks to the efforts of one of their own volunteers.

Angela Dean approached local shops in the community, attended car boot sales and sold raffle tickets to raise the grand sum of £920 last month, which will allow the larder to give local residents access to affordable food.

The 70-year-old, from Ardrossan, has been a volunteer at the Argyle Community Larder since it first opened a few years ago.

She said: "I have to thank the shops and the community for their donations. I was aiming to raise around £300 but it kept growing, and my voice got higher and higher each time we looked at the total.

"Basically, I organised it off my own back with the support and encouragement of the other volunteers here. I had a lot of pleasure in organising it. I love helping people and it was so nice to say to the centre, 'There's nearly £1,000 for you.'"

Members of North Ayrshire's community larders pay a small weekly fee, typically £3.50 to £5, for which they can choose at least 10 items of food each week.

It is seen as a sustainable long-term solution to food poverty in the area.

Angela added: "The larder started off with 19 members and now we have almost 300.

"People out there really need help and with the larder, they keep their dignity because they are paying a wee bit of money for the food."