AN Italian restaurant in Bishopton has raised thousands of pounds to help make sure no child in Renfrewshire wakes up without a present on Christmas Day.

Angelini’s Pizzeria Cafe, in Greenock Road, has donated £500 to six local schools, which will be used to buy presents for pupils from cash-strapped families in a dignified and discreet manner.

The restaurant pledged to donate £1,500 to three schools in Renfrewshire last month and a further £1,500 was raised by customers who nominated schools they believed should receive the money.

The six schools that have received donations are Auchenlodment Primary, St Margaret’s Primary, Our Lady of Peace Primary, West Primary, Kirklandneuk Primary and Barsail Primary.

Brian Cunningham, who co-owns Angelini’s Pizzeria Cafe with his neighbour John Mackay, said he has been stunned by the success of the appeal.

“The amount of interest in this fundraiser has been amazing,” he told The Gazette.

“We had around 2,500 votes for schools to receive a donation.

“The six schools are delighted to be receiving the money and we reckon there will be over 100 children who will benefit.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who voted and donated and to the restaurant team here who were involved in running this appeal.”

Gerry Carlton, headteacher of Auchenlodment Primary, said the school is “delighted” to receive the donation.

He added: “The £500 has been used to help support families over the Christmas period by providing gifts and food hampers which consist of breakfast packs and Christmas dinners.

“The money from Angelini’s will go a long way and we are hoping to support over 30 families.”