THERE'S lots going on around the Helensburgh and Lomond area this weekend – with plenty of opportunities to grab a Christmas gift or autumn bargain along the way.

Here's our run-down of the events happening in the area over the next few days...

Friday, November 2 – Gunna Sound ceilidh band at Rhu and Shandon Community Centre. Doors open 7.30pm, ceilidh from 8pm-late. Tickets £15 from Minuteman Press, John Street, Helensburgh or at the door.

Saturday, November 3 – Annual charity Christmas card sale at Helensburgh United Reformed Church, West Princes Street, from 10am-3pm. Charities present will include Save the Children, the Phoenix International Charity, the RNLI, the National Trust for Scotland, the Mothers' Union, Gareloch Riding for the Disabled, the Friends of Hermitage Park, and Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Saturday, November 3 – Helensburgh RNLI annual coffee morning at Helensburgh Parish Church halls, Colquhoun Square, from 10am-12.30pm. Bottle stall, cake and candy, Christmas cards, souvenirs and a raffle.

Saturday, November 3 – Book sale and coffee morning at St Modan's Church hall, Rosneath, from 10am-12noon. Home baking, tombola and refreshments with scones and pancakes. Admission £2 (adults) and £1 (children).

Saturday, November 3 – Hallowe'en Brunch with Rhu and Shandon Church Guild in Rhu and Shandon Community Centre from 12noon-3pm. Soup and sandwiches, ladies' 'nearly new' clothes, raffle, children's activities, tombola and bric-a-brac. Prizes for the best Hallowe'en costume and best children's designed pumpkin. Admission £3 for adults, £1.50 for children.

Saturday, November 3 – Antiques valuation day for Craigrownie Parish Church in Cove Burgh Hall from 1.30-4pm with BBC antiques expert and Kilcreggan resident Roo Irvine. Entry (£5) includes the valuation of two items plus tea/coffee and cake. Other stalls include retro and vintage clothing, local pottery and crafts, jewellery, home baking and a raffle.

Saturday, November 3 - Bonfire and fireworks display at Helensburgh pier car park with Helensburgh and District Round Table. Burgers, hog roast, soup, hot doughnuts, teas and coffees and soft toys for sale. Starts at 6.30pm.

Saturday, November 3 – Performance of WW1 play 'Home Fires, Broken Sons' at Scottish Submarine Centre, West Princes Street, Helensburgh at 7pm. Click here for a full preview.

Sunday, November 4 - Unveiling of memorial to Helensburgh WW1 hero Colonel George Findlay at gates of Drumfork House, Redgauntlet Road, at 12.30pm. Click here for the full story.

Sunday, November 4 – Christmas card sale for the RNLI at Cove Sailing Club from 2-4pm. Mince pies, tea, coffee, a raffle and RNLI souvenirs also available.

Sunday, November 4 – Tickets for Cove and Kilcreggan's Hogmanay ball go on sale at Cove Burgh Hall from 2-3pm. Tickets to the ball cost £30 per person.