Elgin residents showed their Christmas spirit over the weekend by donating more than £1,700 to charity during a door-to-door collection with a festive twist.
Janice Gregor and her family have spearheaded the revival of one of the town’s most cherished customs over the past two years, by staging a musical procession through its streets.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, the parade toured much of Elgin, bringing both young and old from their homes.
Popular yuletide songs were blasted from a truck which had been given a sparkling makeover using fairy lights, and was accompanied by some costumed Christmas characters.
Ms Gregor said the dedicated team behind the project were “chuffed” with the results, which topped last year’s tally by £300.
She added: “On Friday night it was really blustery, and we had a few moments where we had to hold onto our hats, so we were incredibly lucky that so many people still came out to see us.
“One wee boy emptied his entire collection of coins for us, and older people came from their doors with tubs of money.
“It really pulled the community together, and brought out the best in people.”
Kind-hearted residents ultimately amassed £1,752 to be shared between the ARCHIE Foundation and Clic Sargent charities.
The organisations offer help for children battling cancer and other conditions.
Ms Gregor added: “On the surface this is about providing a fun event for children, but we are doing it to give these charities financial support which they then pass on to families who unfortunately need that assistance.”
Ms Gregor, who has fond memories of similar processions from her childhood, hopes the success of its return will lead to it once again becoming a festive staple.
“We’ll definitely be coming back”, she added.