A north-east charity has been overwhelmed by the public’s response to their efforts to help the flood victims of Storm Frank.
After raising a staggering £85,000, the Ballater Charitable Chiels group has thanked those who responded rapidly to their call for assistance.
The Chiels amassed the funds through a Just Giving page, and from cash donations and cheques.
Their members have been on hand from the start of the flooding, assisting in any way they could, whether in filling and distributing sandbags, pumping water, clearing houses or collecting scrap.
A spokesman said: “On behalf of the village of Ballater and, in particular, the residents directly affected by the devastating flood of December 30, 2015, the Charitable Chiels would like to send out a heartfelt thanks to all those who donated to our relief fund.
“The online Just Giving appeal, combined with cash and cheque donations, resulted in a fantastic total of over £85,000 being raised for the cause.
“This amazing show of compassion has enabled us to give immediate and much-needed financial assistance to those impacted by the flood water.
“To date, approximately 100 households have benefited to the sum of over £40,000.
“With the clean-up still ongoing and with many months of rebuilding required before the village can hope to return to anything like normal life, the flood fund will continue to distribute financial assistance.”