The island-wide secret Santa organised by volunteers at Radio Millport proved to be a huge success over the festive season.

The ambitious project saw 66 gifts swapped across the island, with residents thrilled to receive gifts after a tough year on Cumbrae.

Station manager Stevie Muir says participants loved the secret Santa, and believes it would have provided a big boost to local businesses at a crucial time.

He said: “The feedback has been superb, and everyone seems to have enjoyed being a part of the Secret Santa Project.

“We received and delivered 66 gifts which if everyone on average spent £10 locally then it’s a £660 boost to the local economy.

“For some businesses this is welcome with a new round of closures to their business starting on Boxing Day.

“We allowed the gifts to sit for 48 hours untouched and two members of the team were on delivery duty on December 23 thankfully with no mistakes.”

The festive season brought some more good news with the station securing funding to keep it running for the next three years.

Stevie says as well as keeping the vital community service alive, it will allow them to possibly run the gift swap again next year.

He said: “We have been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund which will see the future of the station looking brighter

“It will also allow us to conduct the community secret Santa again next year if there is a demand for it.

“As long as 2021 isn't as bad as this year then there won’t be any need for it however there may be other things we can do during the festive season.

“The feedback overall has been great, and a few people have posted pictures on social media that residents can check out using the hashtag #SecretSantaMillport.”

The station is calling on residents to get in touch if they would like to be a volunteer presenter on the air.

Community groups are also invited to get in touch if they think they will benefit from free radio advertising.

Contact cumbraeradiolive@gmail.com for more information.