DOZENS of generous churchgoers congregated in Barrhead to raise £400 for diabetes sufferers.

The United Reformed Church (URC) was the setting for a busy coffee morning which saw members of all of the town’s parishes gather to generate cash in aid of Diabetes UK.

An array of home-baked goods, complimented by a regular supply of teas and coffees, meant guests were only too happy to put their hands in their pockets to donate.

Rena Hannah, URC secretary, told the Barrhead News that the community spirit such events foster is equally as important as the money they raise.

Crediting all those who supported the coffee morning, she said: “We really get a good response from all the other churches in Barrhead. They all come along and support us and we try to reciprocate when we can.

“I have to say all of the churches work very well together in Barrhead. We put part in our church funds and part goes to a nominated charity and this one was for Diabetes UK.

“We’ve done Alzheimers and Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland in the past.

“We do it ourselves; we provide all of the food, tea and coffee and the others who come and contribute to the funds.

“Without the hard work of the people within the church, we couldn’t raise the money. Equally, we couldn’t get the return without those who turn up.”

Earlier this summer, the URC held a fundraiser on behalf of the Erskine Veterans Appeal.

And the latest coffee morning proved to be yet another success.

Rena added: “Our coffee morning last Saturday was a great success. We thank everyone who contributed in any way.

“We are always pleased to have the company of our friends from other Barrhead churches.”

Diabetes UK is the leading charity for people affected by what is Britain’s most serious health condition.

Visit www.diabetes.org.uk for more information.