TESCO in Greenock branched out by delivering 16 trolleys full of toys from the store's giving tree for families on Christmas.

It was a record-breaking year for the store's toy appeal, as shoppers picked tags from the festive fir and bought a gift for a child in need.

Hundreds went to the Inverclyde Foodbank as well as Barnardo's Thrive and Home Start Inverclyde.

Tesco community champion Lorella Sutherland was overwhelmed by the response and thanked everyone who donated for their generosity.

She said: "This is the best response we have ever had and it was very emotional.

"I spent a whole day in tears thinking of all the children.

"Thanks to people in Inverclyde no one was feeling left out on Christmas morning.

"I can't thank everyone enough.

"The presents just kept coming, even when the appeal was finished,"

This year Lorella came up with the idea of decorating a tree with gift tags containing information about needy children and what gifts they would

Only days later it was bare as shoppers kept picking tags to donate presents.

As the Tesco Greenock store's community champion Lorella works with lots of local organisations including schools, care homes and charities.

The mum-of-two said: "It has really opened my eyes to the need out there and how we can help.

"It is at times like this I love my job.

"It makes you proud of Inverclyde."

Tesco Greenock also donated food to Inverclyde Homeless Forum's Christmas dinner and Lorella helped serve on the day.

She also gave up her own time to help the local foodbank pack hampers.

She added: "It really is heartbreaking when you are packing them and thinking of the families out there who will get them."

Store manager Andy Wilson said: "We are very proud of Lorella and all the work she does.

"Our staff have been very supportive of the toy appeal as well and we would like to thank all our customers who supported the appeal."