TWO local groups have unleashed the Christmas spirit early in the aid of local good causes.

Tinsel, cuddly snowmen and festive trees sprouted up in Dalmuir and Bowling on Saturday.

Parents and children got involved at the Dalmuir Community Education Centre on Saturday to help raise funds for Dalmuir After School Club.

As previously reported in the Post, issues with funding meant youngsters weren’t able to attend as many summer day trips this year so mums and dads rallied round in a bid to raise enough cash to ensure the trips go ahead next year.

Mum Sarah McDade told the Post: “The event was brilliant fun, everyone involved should be so proud.

“Funds raised totalled £625 and this is expected to rise as Dalmuir Out of School Care are still selling raffle tickets and there are still some games left to be filled in such bad guess the sweets and guess the reindeer name.

“The funds will go towards activities and trips for the children who attend the out of school care.”

Meanwhile, the Save Bowling Village Hall group held their own fair to raise funds for the campaign.

Bill Mackenzie, chairman of the committee working to save Bowling Village Hall, said they had raised about £500 on the day, including £120 from the raffle and branded the day a success.

He said: “It went very well indeed. We had a lot of visitors come through in aid of the village hall. It was busier than last year and the weather was better certainly.

“All the takings will help save the hall. I’d like to thank everyone for attending and supporting the hall and for purchasing so many of the products.”

Bill also thanked in particular Linda Stockley who did most of the home baking on offer at the weekend.