STAFF at a Greenock hair salon are preparing to host a fundraiser to help children this festive season.

Crown Jewels Hair Salon in Dempster Street has joined the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's Ready Steady Sparkle campaign to protect children from abuse.

The salon will open its doors between 3 and 7pm on Wednesday for children and teenagers to join them and help raise cash for the cause.

There will be face painting, raffles, home baking and hair extensions - all for just a donation to the charity.

Owner Claire Bryceland said: “We try to host a fundraiser for a charity every year and when my colleague Cat Diamond spotted the NSPCC fundraiser we decided to try and help raise awareness and money.

“We are very community minded here and people feel comfortable chatting to us. We are always trying to help people and hopefully this fundraiser will allow us to help children further afield too.

“People have been so generous. Whenever there is a crisis or a fundraiser in Inverclyde, people step up and show their support.

“Local business have been donating raffle prizes and many of our clients have dropped in things. We are so grateful for all the support we have received and can’t wait for the big day."

According to the NSPCC, one in five children in the UK have suffered abuse and the appeal aims to get people working together to keep people safe.

Cat added: “You don’t realise how much goes on locally and this salon is a wee safe haven. We do try and help people who are having a bad day and welcome them in for a tea and a chat.

“Toy appeals are aimed primarily at helping younger children so we thought this would be a good way to try and get the older ones involved too.

“Everything is completely free. We just ask that people make a donation of what they can afford."

Cat added: “Every penny really does make a difference and we hope lots of people will be along to support us.”

Pictured from left are salon staff Yvonne Low, Cat Diamond and Claire Bryceland.

Photo: George Munro.