A POPULAR leisure facility has donated 100 teddy bears to Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

The donation from Xsite Braehead forms part of a new partnership between the entertainment destination and the charity, aimed at raising funds to support children and families in hospitals across Scotland.

The bears are intended to help young patients feel more at ease during their hospital stay.

They are used in play, which helps children explore their feelings and understand their treatments.

Bruce Harley, centre manager at XSite, said: "Entertainment and wellbeing go hand in hand, which makes the partnership between XSite Braehead and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity strong.

"We aim to shine a light on the importance of mental wellness while also raising awareness and much-needed funds for those that need it most.

“We hope that these events create a positive experience that not only entertain but also foster a sense of community and support.”

William McGowan, head of partnerships and business development at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: “Visiting hospital can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially for young patients.

“Therefore, funding towards our projects makes a great difference to their experiences, making the hospital less scary for children.

“We’re pleased to collaborate on this initiative and look forward to seeing the community come together for such a worthy cause.”

XSite Braehead plans to host a series of events throughout 2024, with ticket sales proceeds going to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.