Families across East Lothian benefited from the generosity of the team at East Lothian Roots and Fruits (ELRF), whose Christmas appeal helped support those in need with food and gifts.

The Elphinstone-based charity, which aims to make fruit and vegetables affordable and accessible offering a wide range of initiatives, including fruit and veg deliveries and cooking workshops, has been running a Christmas appeal over December.

The appeal collected donations of toys, food and other festive gifts to be given out to families the group works with who could not afford them this winter.

In total almost 100 children got Christmas gifts, with 84 elderly or housebound people also receiving gifts.

25 families had fresh Christmas dinner delivered, with 33 families receiving food vouchers and 15 families receiving Christmas snacks and cakes.

The group also funded a trip to the Edinburgh Christmas market for 14 families and hosted 12 families at the group’s Bite and Blether Christmas lunch.

The group also organised a visit from Santa to Elphinstone ahead of Christmas.

Pamela McKinlay, project manager at ELRF, said: “We have a very small staff team of five with the most wonderful volunteers and we have worked non-stop for the past month to make sure no child goes without this Christmas.

“We could not do what we do without the support of our wonderful community and local businesses who have been tremendous.

“Our door has been revolving for weeks, as one person donating went out another came in and we cannot thank you enough.

“On top of all this we have been running our wee shop which is always busy and we have been inundated with weekly deliveries and sold almost 300 holly wreaths.

“I am sure you will agree that this is a great achievement that we have all come together to support and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”