A KIND-HEARTED Greenock schoolgirl has been hailed for helping to make sure local children enjoyed a brighter Christmas.

Hollie Laing, a P7 pupil at St Andrew’s Primary, spotted an appeal on social media by local man Mark Wilson asking for toys to help make December 25 for needy youngsters.

Mark, who had struggled to provide Christmas presents for his own children, decided to launch a toy appeal to prevent other parents struggling to cope with the pressures and demands of buying gifts.

Hollie launched her own collection, reaching out to friends and family members in a bid to help Mark's good deed.

Her gran Eileen stepped into assist and co-ordinated a plea for Hollie on social media.

She said: “I put a post up explaining what my 11-year-old granddaughter was looking to do. From that day it was overwhelming, the people of Inverclyde donated so much that the entire floor of my living room was covered.”

Soon Hollie found herself surrounded by toys suitable for children of all ages.

Eileen said: “She was delighted and said it made her so happy to know that a lot of children would be happy on Christmas day.

“The Inverclyde public once again pulled together. They efforts coupled with Hollie and Mark's kindness meant that youngsters who otherwise wouldn't have woke up to a toy at Christmas. Hollie’s parents and the rest of the family are all so proud of her.

“Mark came to the house with a van to collect the toys and was amazed at what we had.

“He told Hollie she should be so proud of herself as not a lot of children her age would have done what she did.

Eileen and Hollie also went along to an open day to lend a hand distributing the items.

The toys that had been collected, including Hollie’s, were laid out and anyone who was struggling was invited along to take what they needed.

Mark says he is overwhelmed by Hollie's kindness.

Mark said: “Wee Hollie is an absolute star - what she did was fantastic, I can’t thank her enough and it was brilliant to see she got so much out of it too."