GAME for a laugh neighbours in Bridge of Weir have raised hundreds of pounds for good causes by holding a weekly bingo night in their street.

The Houston Road residents have been meeting outside their homes at a safe distance for the past four weeks to take part in the fun event.

Diane Hill, 61, who has been organising the games, said the response from neighbours has been “fantastic.”

She told The Gazette: “I went to my neighbours’ doors last month and asked if they fancied a game of bingo, which they thought was a good idea.

“I think it’s been a great thing to do and we all look forward to coming out on a Friday night and talking to everyone.

“As the bingo caller, I have to shout out the numbers so the neighbours at the other side of the road can hear me.”

Diane provides bingo cards to all the participants before the game starts at 6pm, as well as tea, cakes and sandwiches during the breaks.

The residents, whose ages range from 40 to 90, donate £3 to take part every week and have been bringing their own chairs to sit outside their homes or on the pavement.

Players who have had all their numbers called out first have been awarded a range of prizes, including everything from bottles of wine to anti-bacterial chopping boards.

Diane said: “All the neighbours have been able to have a chat with one another at a safe distance.

“The oldest participant is 90 and he told me he loves taking part. He’s been stuck in the house because of the lockdown and this is a way for him to get out, talk to everyone and have a good laugh.”

So far, the residents have raised £196 for the NHS and £214 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with Diane planning to keep the bingo games going for the foreseeable future.

She added: “I want to say a huge thank-you to my neighbours for taking part as, without them, this wouldn’t have happened.”

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