A GENEROUS couple will be delivering Christmas presents to youngsters on the other side of the world.

Yvonne and Eddie Carver have been making regular trips to Goa and the Gambia over the last decade.

Together, they have supported two charities aiming to ensure youngsters get a healthy, educated childhood.

Earlier this month, Yvonne and Eddie, of Dunbar, held a family fun day in West Barns Bowling Club.

Yvonne, an East Lothian Council caretaker based at Dunbar’s Bleachingfield Centre, was delighted that the event raised £1,543.40.

She said: “It went really well considering we had booked to have it, then, about a month beforehand, we found out it was Lifeboat Day as well but that was the only day we could have both indoors and outdoors at the bowling club.

“Our event was booked before we knew about Lifeboat Day, and there was also a wedding and Dunbar United versus Hearts – there were three or four other things on – but we were delighted we made what we did.

“All in all, it was a great day, the sun was shining and we had all sorts of different things for the kids.”

Activities ranged from a bouncy castle and barbecue to face-painting and familiar favourites such as hook-a-duck.

The fundraiser continues the couple’s connection with Mango Tree Goa, which was formed in 2012.

The UK-registered charity supports disadvantaged children from slums and similar conditions in Goa, India, regardless of their religion, caste or gender.

Yvonne, 59, said: “We have got friends from Hemel Hempstead and they sponsored a couple of kids there in the school.

“When we were over there on holiday about 10 years ago, they were going to visit the school and the kids they sponsored.

“They asked if we wanted to come along and it all just ballooned from there.

“We have tried to do what we can do and buy things when there and try to visit the school.”

That included a memorable trip in 2013, when they emptied their own suitcases and instead filled them with more than 100 pairs of jelly shoes because most of the children had no footwear.

Yvonne and 62-year-old Eddie, who works as a machine operator for Ground Developments, have also helped Goal For The Gambia, a charity supporting three schools in the West African country.

Now they are getting ready to make another trip to Goa – just two days after Christmas.

Yvonne added: “All the restrictions and everything have been lifted.

“Obviously, the last couple of years it has just been a nightmare.

“We could not get to the Gambia or Goa.

“We are trying to make up for everything now, though, and we have still been sending out bits and pieces!”