A THOUGHTFUL young Helensburgh pupil has given the gift of kindness this Christmas after donating items to the local food bank instead of receiving birthday presents.

Rhylan McCallum, who is in P5 at St Joseph's Primary School, turned nine on December 8 and rather than asking for the latest Playstation game or fun toy, he choose to collect donations for those less fortunate and hand them over to the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank.

Chair Mary McGinley was delighted to receive the contributions and a post on the food bank's Facebook page said: "What a considerate, kind and generous gesture.

"Well done Rhylan and thank you on behalf of all the clients and volunteers at the food bank."

READ MORE: Special report: we go behind the scenes of Helensburgh's food bank as Christmas nears

Debbie McCallum, Rhylan's grandmother, said the warm gesture had made the whole family very proud.

She added: "It's his first time donating. He said he was lucky to get stuff, and that he would like food bank donations for his birthday to help others, so we started to tell friends and family, and his football and school friends who were invited to his party brought food, which was a great group effort.

"The food bank staff were delighted with the bags he handed over and so thankful and made Rhylan feel very special and welcome.

"The items varied: tinned food, cereal, pastas, selection boxes, pot noodles, toilet rolls, plus lots more."

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