GENEROUS locals in Largs and West Kilbride raised thousands of pounds for hard-working delivery drivers over the festive period.

Kind-hearted villagers in West Kilbride pledged £2,430 to a fundraiser set up to give local Mark Thomson a Christmas bonus.

The GoFundMe page was set up by villager Michelle Murray, who praised Mark for his dedication making sure every gift was delivered on time during the busy run-up to Christmas.

She said: “He is part of our community and I think everyone will agree he goes above and beyond for West Kilbride.”

The incredible total was raised in just 15 days, with donations stopped just before New Year so the cash could be handed over.

The dedicated driver told the News that he made over 8,500 deliveries to homes in the village during December alone.

Mark, pictured, explained: “I would like to thank everyone for all for their patience during what was an incredibly hard month. A special thanks also goes to the team at the Kings Arms on Main Street for allowing me to have a base there when my van broke down.

“I'd also like to thank Michelle for setting up the fundraising page, which I’m still in shock about.

“Also a massive thanks to everyone who donated. They totally made my family’s Christmas and for next year I’ll try to be even faster around the place and cheerier.

“People were so generous with coffees, soups, sandwiches and cakes that kept me going over the last four weeks. I absolutely love West Kilbride and everybody in it.”

More than £750 was also raised for two hard-working delivery drivers in Largs through a similar appeal.

Resident Victoria Dunne had hoped to collect £250, but raised three times that amount in less than a week for local Evri drivers Stuart Raymond and Ryan O’Rourke.

Victoria said: “I’d just like to thank the kind people of Largs for donating to this fundraising drive.

“A fantastic sum of money was raised to give the lads a well deserved treat and Christmas bonus. Thank you so much.”

Ryan says the pair were moved by the generosity of local people during the cost of living crisis.

He added: “Stuart and I are both overwhelmed at how thoughtful our customers have been. It really does mean a lot to both of us after a tough month.”