KIND people the length and breadth of Inverclyde have helped a dedicated charity campaigner raise almost £5,000 for youngsters in need.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Shug Ferguson, a campaigns performance leader at EE in Greenock, set up a page on Facebook called Limitless Inverclyde.

Shug started running games, competitions and raffles - such as football cards, random number generators and online bingo - and gave people all over the area the chance to win great prizes.

At the end of October, big-hearted Shug asked the 1,200 page members what good cause they'd like to help and the group decided on a collection for Inverclyde Foodbank's toy drive.

In just a few weeks an incredible £4,500 was raised.

The money has been used to buy a selection of toys for youngsters who would otherwise have nothing to open on Friday morning.

Shug has been praised by his employer and by Inverclyde Foodbank for his dedication to the cause - but he's quick to point out that it's all down to the people of Inverclyde.

He added: "People keep telling me I'm doing an amazing job but I'm just doing my bit and driving it forward.

"It's the people who are donating the prizes and taking part in the raffles who are generating the money.

"I couldn't do this if it wasn't for them.

"It's just amazing what we've achieved for people."

Shug started off raising money for local care homes and by September he decided to support cancer charities.

Prizes on the page have included generous donations including £500 in cash, laptops, iPads and Nintendo Switch consoles, and Shug has had great support from EE, Morrisons and Logo'd.

Shug's colleagues at EE also gave up their secret Santa for this year and donated to the cause instead.

He said: "It's grown arms and legs and it's all down to the people.

"Raising money for charity is the ultimate goal but people are getting great prizes along the way."

EE has also donated £500 to the foodbank to give families a good start to 2021.

Inverclyde Foodbank manager and i58 project leader Lesley Jackson says Shug's work is helping to bring hope to people.

She added: "People have been so generous and have really put their hands in their pockets this year.

"If we didn't have these donations we wouldn't be able to do such great work.

"Conventional fundraising hasn't been there this year but everyone has been really innovative.

"People want to help.

"We're delighted to receive this amazing donation and would like to thank Shug, everyone who has donated, and all of the businesses involved.

"It's fantastic to be part of making life better for families this year."

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CHRISTMAS CRACKERS - Shug Ferguson and Elaine Gallacher from EE pictured with Inverclyde Foodbank manager Lesley Jackson.