NEEDY children will have a holiday home for Christmas - after the Morrisons store in Greenock stepped in with a massive £35,0000 gift to make their dreams come true.

The supermarket giant has used money raised from the 5p carrier bag charge to support the Children in Poverty Inverclyde appeal.

It is the Morrisons’ Foundation biggest ever donation in Scotland and will help struggling families all year round.

The people of the district have taken the charity to their hearts and it has used thousands of pounds to send over 100 children on summer holidays since being set up two years ago.

Chairman Pat Burke is overwhelmed by the pledge from Morrisons.

He said: “This is an exceptional donation.

“We are not funded by the local authority or the government so we rely on donations.

“This will enable us to reach more children across Inverclyde who live in poverty, who won’t have a holiday and who never get the opportunity to enjoy the fun outdoors as a family.

“We are extremely grateful to the Morrisons’ Foundation and the store general manager Sean McGowan for his unstinting support.”

Since setting up two years ago Pat and his trustees have sent dozens of families on holiday to Hunters Quay in Argyll and Bute.

The charity pays for the caravan, transport and fills the fridge for the week long trip.

Earlier this year they decided to start fundraising to buy a holiday home in the site so that they can help people all year round.

Pat added: “I just had a feeling that people in Inverclyde would take this charity to their heart, and they have.

“We are desperate to break the cycle of child poverty in Inverclyde, which at 26 per cent is the fourth highest in the country. “ As well as sending families on holiday the group also run a toy appeal at Christmas and support nurseries in the poorest parts of Inverclyde.

Morrisons used the 5p bag charge introduced by the Scottish Government to fund the donation.

Manager Sean McGowan said: “I’m delighted the Morrisons’ Foundation is making this donation to Children in Poverty Inverclyde.

“There are far too many young people in Greenock who have far too little.

“Hopefully this donation will give many more young people the chance to get away from the often tough day-to-day routine, and have the chance to have a great break away with their families.

“We wish the charity all the best of luck and we’ll continue to do our bit to make a difference in Greenock.”

Provost Robert Moran, who has been a big backer of the charity, praised the Morrisons store for its support at the cheque presentation, also attended by children from Gibshill and Glenbrae children’s centres.

He said: “This magnificent donation for a new children’s holiday home will be an enduring legacy of their care for Inverclyde’s deprived children. I commend them for their humanity and generosity.”