BOSSES at a Borders-wide children's charity say they have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown in the run-up to Christmas.

Cash for Kids aims to make sure 1,000 youngsters in the region who are either disabled or disadvantaged have gifts under their Christmas tree on December 25.

During 2015 the charity's Mission Christmas collected a staggering £60,000 worth of toys and cash donations - providing for 850 needy, local children.

And so far this year, following even greater support from across the region, they look set to reach their fresh target.

Cash for Kids manager Candy Rafferty told us: "The support we have received so far from across the entire Borders and north Northumberland area has been staggering.

"We have more drop off points for toys this year than ever before and people, yet again, are digging deep.

"Our aim is to reach 1,000 children with toys for Christmas morning - many of them are children who go beneath the radar of other help.

"It makes such a difference for a child to have presents to open on Christmas morning and it is looking as though we will be able to help even more children receive presents this year."

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and End Child Poverty estimate that one-in-five children in the Scottish Borders live in financially-struggling households.

And many are unlikely to experience the joys of Christmas that others do, due to cash constraints.

Referrals for help are made by social workers, voluntary organisations, charities and schools.

Cash for Kids' Mission Christmas has been collecting toys and financial donations since last month.

Gala Rugby Club held a 24-hour cycle on Saturday and the Peebles Motorcycle Clan raised over £1,000 with a raffle.

This weekend will see over 100 businesses across the Borders take part in a sponsored Christmas Jumper Day.

And smaller events are also taking place in towns and villages.

The Transport Interchange in Galashiels, courtesy of Scottish Borders Council, has become the Mission Christmas headquarters after it outgrew its former base at Radio Borders in Tweedbank.

And staff from the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Eildon Housing have been lending a helping hand to wrap the hundreds of donations.

Amongst the organisations who are helping distribute the toys is the Peeblesshire Youth Trust.

Candy added: "We can't thank people and organisations enough for the support they have given to Mission Christmas.

"As well as toys we are also collecting donations so that we can buy specialist toys for children with disabilities.

"We have our fingers crossed but the way things are going we look like we will reach our target of £65 worth of toys for 1,000 children in our area."

For further details of the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas go to www.radioborders.com/charity