A £500 donation from the Musselburgh Over 50’s Club has been made to the East Lothian Roots & Fruits’ Christmas appeal.

The Elphinstone-based charity aims to make fruit and vegetables “affordable and accessible”, and to “improve” on current services which tackle poverty and health in East Lothian.

The cheque was presented to singer Donna Glass, from Tranent, who performs for the Musselburgh Over 50’s Club.

A supporter of the charity, she is planning a fundraising event in aid of East Lothian Roots & Fruits at East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club in Tranent on December 8, which will feature seven entertainers.

Pamela McKinlay, of Roots and Fruits, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity from the Musselburgh Over 50’s Club and very grateful to receive this.

“It will help many families and elders who are struggling this year.

“We would like to thank everyone involved.”

She added: “Donna Glass organises an event in December for us and this, along with all the donations we receive from the community, ensures Santa comes to everyone in need.

“People can donate new toys and gifts for any age or donate food.

“Everything we receive gets passed on to people in need.”

Last year, 96 children and 84 elderly and housebound people received Christmas gifts, 62 selection boxes were handed out, 25 families got a fresh Christmas dinner delivered, 15 families received festive snacks and cakes, four families enjoyed a trip to the cinema and Santa, 14 families got ride tokens for Christmas in Edinburgh, a dozen people attended a ‘Bite and Blether’ Christmas lunch, five attended the ‘Meet and Eat’ Christmas get-together for men and there was standing room only at a coffee and mince pie morning.