CHRISTMAS has come early for a social care charity after it coined in £70,000 at its annual festive fundraiser.

Guests were at their generous best at Quarriers’ 23rd Noel Lunch, during which they were treated to entertainment from the Secret Opera Singers.

Comedian Fred MacAulay hosted the event and led the live auction, which included a Great Britain Davis Cup shirt signed by tennis aces Andy and Jamie Murray.

It had been gifted by their mother – and Quarriers supporter – Judy.

Quarriers is based in Bridge of Weir and operates services across Scotland. These include the Chavey Down Service, which is based in Newton Mearns and provides residential care and short breaks for children and young people with a complex disability.

All funds raised at the festive lunch will go towards helping establish and expand the charity’s Dementia Befriending Service, which was launched earlier this year.

The service aims to provide companionship and meaningful activities to people with dementia, using befriending as a means of reducing loneliness and isolation and offering the opportunity to keep doing the activities they enjoy.

Quarriers Dementia Befriending Service is currently funded by the Life Changes Trust. Money raised at the lunch will secure the future of the service, allowing it to expand into new areas.

Alice Harper, Quarriers’ chief executive, said: “Quarriers’ Dementia Befriending Service will benefit hugely from everyone’s tremendously generous efforts and it’s humbling to see so much support for a service that will make a real difference to the lives of so many people with this condition.

“A special thanks must go to our guests for coming along to support the charity and a particular thanks goes to Fred for providing top entertainment and Phil Genoe for his tireless commitment, along with the rest of the Noel Lunch committee.”

Phil Genoe, chairman of the Quarriers’ Noel Lunch Committee, added: “Once again it’s been another unforgettable afternoon and I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests old and new who return every year to support the charity and kick start their festive celebrations with Quarriers.”