ELDERSLIE shone brightly at the village’s festive fair, with a special tribute paid to a youngster who tragically passed away earlier this year.

The festive event, outside the village hall, drew in huge crowds, with a selection of gifts, home-baking, games and face-painting on offer.

Elderslie schoolgirl Mariya Javed was handed the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in memory of her 13-year-old brother Ahmar, who died from a rare brain condition in April.

Ahmar’s family were special guests at the event, run by Elderslie Community Council (ECC), and managed to collect £300 for the Another Star in the Sky charity, which they set up in his honour.

Since the tragedy, they have raised more than £10,000 for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity in his name.

Anne Marie Balfour, ECC treasurer, said: "We are over the moon that the event went so well, considering that it was the first time the new committee members have been in charge.

"Cash raised from the coffee, tea, home-baking and raffle went to Ahmar's funds. A cheque is to be presented to them in the coming weeks.

"Separately, the Brightest Star charity also had a collection of their own at Santa's grotto.

"Special compliments were made to Santa and lots of fantastic prizes for the raffle were donated by local businesses.

"We are now looking ahead to our summer fair, which we are provisionally planning for June 30, 2018.

"I’d like to highlight the hard work done by the ECC and a big thanks goes to the community for making the day so special."