A weekly newspaper received a cash boost in its bid to help disadvantaged children at Christmas after a stand-up comedian’s four-figure donation.

Comic Gary Faulds, pictured below, presented the Hamilton Advertiser with a £1,000 cash donation to its Christmas toy appeal, allowing the paper to buy dozens of gifts for less-fortunate youngsters on its patch.

Donated toys will be given South Lanarkshire Council’s social work services department to distribute.

Advertiser reporter and toy appeal co-ordinator Leona Greenan spent an afternoon in Hamilton spending the donation on toys.

She said: “What a huge lift to our Christmas toy appeal thanks to a mammoth and very kind donation from our friend Gary Faulds.

“An absolutely incredible gesture from a top comedian.”

Leona added: “We had a great day picking out purchases for our appeal and we are sure our picks will go down a treat with the children on Christmas Day.”

Mr Faulds told the Advertiser: “Lanarkshire has been my home for the last few months prior to moving back to my native Springburn recently, and the Lanarkshire locals have always been a great support to me and helping me sell out venues in the area.

“This was just my way of giving a little something back.”