TALENTED young footballers have hit the back of the net in supporting a local group.

Haddington Athletic Community Football Club’s youth section has delivered a timely boost to the Lammermuir Larder in the run-up to Christmas.

Teams from across the club’s age groups have been collecting food for a number of weeks to support the Haddington-based initiative.

The community group, which was set up earlier this year, aims to support individuals and families who are struggling to feed themselves or their families throughout Haddington.

“Unfortunately, this time of year can be particularly difficult for some in our community and as a club we wanted to do our bit to try and help,” said youth section chairman Colin Bowsher.

“The Lammermuir Larder does a fantastic job in reaching out to those most in need in our community.”

Donations have been pouring into the club’s Whittingehame Drive facility during training sessions and matches from players, parents and coaches. Members of the youth section have also attended the club’s senior team fixtures at Millfield.

A final collection took place at the Hi Hi’s home ground ahead of the second-round King Cup victory over Glenrothes on Saturday.

Pat Lemmon, who founded the Lammermuir Larder, which is based within the town’s Bridge Centre, thanked the youngsters for the early Christmas present.

She said: “We are absolutely over the moon. Everybody involved in that should be so proud of themselves.

“I was quite taken aback and, to be honest, moved to tears. I could not believe the generosity of everybody involved in the donation.

“They chose us, we never approached them, and they worked so hard collecting all the things we need for the Christmas orders.”

The Lammermuir Larder was launched in February in response to the growing number of people struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative is headed up by a team of volunteers and operates through a referral system, either from a professional or from the individual/family themselves.

Mrs Lemmon, who is also involved with the town’s community council, said: “We are not here to judge. We are just here to make sure no family is worrying about putting food on the table.”

Orders have gone up by more than 55 per cent in recent weeks, with families struggling as the cost of food and utility bills goes up.

The donation will be enough to help provide food for about 150 people ahead of the festive period, with children making up a large percentage of that number. To find out more, email team@lammermuirlarder.co.uk