Helensburgh businesses have rallied round a hardy team of police and naval officers who will be taking on an epic 24-hour hike challenge on Arran to help poverty stricken children get a Christmas dinner.

The nine men will walk non-stop through the day and night across some of the toughest terrain the island has to offer.

They will be led by policeman Jim Cast, of Kilwinning, Ayrshire, whose wife Louise founded the Mrs Clause charity.

The money raised will provide Christmas dinners and presents for children in some of Scotland's most deprived communities in North Ayrshire.

Louise - Mrs Clause herself - says she's so grateful for the support from businesses in Helensburgh.

She said: "My son-in-law Adam Bartle is an officer in the Royal Navy and and through his connections The Yard and PJM Motors in Helensburgh have each given us £100 and will have their logo on the t-shirts.

"And we had an incredible £1,000 donation from local company WABT, who advise on improving workplaces for staff. The owner's husband Harry is taking part in the hike too.

The incredible hike will begin on Friday, July 28 starting with the Loch Na Davie circuit at Lochranza, continuing to Sannox before tackling Goat Fell's highest peak. Then it will be on to Glen Rosa, ending in Brodick 24 long hours later.

The coastal hike will be undertaken at night, on uneven terrain.

Louise joked: "After that, they say they will collapse..."

Their crowdfunding page has already had donations of more than £2,000 of the initial £2,500 target - but Louise says raising £4,000 will ensure children desperately in needwill enjoy a proper Christmas dinner and presents this December.

She founded the charity in 2020 after discovering many children in her home town, the Three Towns and Irvine were doing without a proper Christmas dinner or presents. One child told his school his festive feast was a pot noodle.

Helensburgh Advertiser: The team are ready to tackle the Arran hike next month

Gran Louise worked in social services before becoming a full-time foster mum.

She said: "Mrs Clause has helped 100 families so far and if we raise enough with this challenge, we hope to be able to take the children on trips. Some of these kids Have never been to a soft play area, a theme park or a zoo.

"Some of the families we help are fighting addictions or there have been domestic abuse issues. But they still want the best for their kids, despite their problems.

"And Mrs Clause is all about the kids. It is all about breaking the cycle, so these children can grow up feeling self worth.

"One in three children in North Ayrshire are living in food poverty. But many families are proud and don't want to go to foodbanks or ask for help."

Louise added: "This is a full 24-hour trek and I will be worried about them all. I'm so proud of them."

To support the team's fundraising effort visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/louise-cast-2