A crowd of care-experienced young people met to feast and party in Inverness after winning money to make their Christmas dream come true.
The youngsters had applied for £2,000 at a Life Changes Trust event in Perth after being asked to put forward ideas for an event that would make all the difference to them.
Their presentation touched the hearts of judges and secured the cash award and they soon set about organising a Christmas Day to remember.
They named it Champsmas Dinner, in honour of Champs (Children Have Amazing Minds, Potential and Stories), the Clachnaharry-based organisation they belong to.
Dylan Bruce, 16, was on the team who spoke so eloquently.
He said: “When we went up we were really nervous. We really wanted to win the money to make a heart-warming event.
“We told them we don’t get to spend Christmas with our families and, when the votes were in, we won the £2,000.
“Ever since then I’ve been really happy, I’ve been dreaming of this since day one.”
Supported by workers at Champs, the teenagers set about organising the day.
Dylan said: “It was a task and a half. We had to get the venue, create the decorations, decide the food.
“I’ve been making sure everything has been going to plan and I’ve enjoyed it so much I feel as if I could do this my whole life.”
Dylan, who is studying pathways to employment skills at Inverness College UHI, said organising the dinner helped him realise he wanted to go into hospitality as a career.
Highlife Highland made Highland Rugby Club, with staff, available for the occasion, and additional help and donations of gifts poured in from all quarters.
The youngsters enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner, with games, karaoke and presents to follow.
Police and fire officers also dropped in to chat with the young guests.
Guest Kirsty Peacher, 19, said: “This event is amazing, we get to spend time with other kids, like one big family.”
Gemma MacDonald, 24, of Champs said: “When you grow up in care you feel like you’re not included in a lot and you feel quite isolated, with a lot of restrictions and sometimes things can’t happen the way you want them to.
“But with this opportunity it means the kids can have a Christmas full of fun and love and presents and laughter.
“The atmosphere and the love that’s around is just something beautiful to be a part of.”