Two Edinburgh care homes operated by Renaissance Care have raised £350 for local homeless people during a festive raffle.

The money, which is being donated to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness campaign, was raised by residents and staff at Letham Park and Mathieson House.

Kevin Dignall, deputy manager at Mathieson House, who donated his handmade glassware and cups to the raffle, said: “I had made things like that before for staff or families at the home and I just wanted to make a nice hamper for Christmas to raffle off as a prize.

“The residents are always keen to stay connected to their local community and it’s a tough enough time for lots of people at this time of year, so everyone felt it was only fitting to try to help some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

“It was all great fun, and we drew the raffle on the same day as our Christmas fayre, so we had music going, singing and Santa made an appearance as well.”

Social Bite executive director and founder, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “We’re very thankful to the residents at Renaissance Care for their donation to our Festival of Kindness.

“Acts of kindness like this are needed more so now than ever before and make a huge difference to those who need it most.

“The money they’ve raised through the various raffle events will go towards ensuring vulnerable people have delicious food, gifts and company this festive period.”