Villagers in New Cumnock were treated to a very special gift recently in the form of a festive food and drink box - meaning they will be well stocked up for the big day.

More than 300 people received a Christmas box from New Cumnock Community Council this week which included a mini steak pie, potato scone, shortbread and French cakes.

Pathhead Bakery helped to prepare the goodies and young people got involved in making the deliveries to the vulnerable and elderly, an activity that community council members say really “got people talking”.

Marie Walker, Chair of the Community Council, said: “The idea was to mix it up this year and get young ones involved in the community. They delivered most of the boxes and presented them to people.

“We tried to get to folk who live themselves and any that was left went out to general people in the community. If we missed anyone out then we are sorry but it’s quite hard getting round everyone.

“The beavers were out on the Friday but the boys and girls wanted to go back out delivering on the Saturday which was absolutely great.”

The Community Council done something similar last year and are now looking to make it an annual occurrence due to the engagement of young people, and the added benefit of reducing social isolation during the holiday season.

Marie continued: “We’ll need to put our thinking cap on because if you get them involved at an early stage, maybe they won’t start spray painting or doing whatever they do.

“It’s good to look after old ones and it gets young people talking. The people that went with the Beavers boys said they were enjoying it as much as the older people.

“Thanks to everyone involved. I couldn’t be more proud of New Cumnock than I am now.”