THE much-loved Musselburgh archer sculpture, affectionately known as Archie, is appearing on Christmas baubles which are being sold in aid of East Lothian Foodbank.

The festive fundraising venture has been organised by Inveresk Village Society.

Local resident and artist Alison Paterson has given the archer a seasonal twist, adding: "I’ve designed this wooden bauble of the Musselburgh archer taking a well-earned break from his Santa duties!"

East Lothian Courier: The Musselburgh archer bauble designed by local artist Alison Paterson to raise funds for East Lothian Foodbank

Inveresk residents will also be fundraising for the foodbank at their social gathering during the festive season.

The baubles are on sale for £4 each or £10 for three at: Crolla’s bar and restaurant, Eskmills; Blueberry gifts, 59 High Street, Musselburgh; Mint Fig Deli, 66 High Street, Musselburgh (Thursday-Saturday); and Miro's cafe, High Street, Musselburgh.

They will also be available at the market at East Fortune Farm this Sunday, 10am-3pm.

People are asked to use QR code payment with a smartphone or cash.

The Musselburgh archer is a public artwork, located by the Roman Bridge on the east bank of the River Esk, celebrating the rich heritage of Musselburgh.

Created by artists Svetlana Kondakova and Maja Quille, the life-size figure represents local history including the Roman invasion in AD 80, the battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547, and the Musselburgh Silver Arrow, dating back to 1603.

The Tranent-based foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people who are experiencing financial hardship.

The facility is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

John Manning, chair of Inveresk Village Society, said: "Once again, we are focussing our fundraising efforts on supporting the vital work of East Lothian Foodbank.

"We hope our festive bauble of the Musselburgh archer, created by local resident Alison Paterson, will be seen on all the best dressed trees this Christmas."