An eight-year-old hero has completed the task of collecting selection boxes to give to children in hospital.

Beaver Scout Dayn Montgomery, who has complex heart defects, challenged himself to collect 150 selection boxes and Christmas goodies to make this year extra special for children that are in hospital over Christmas.

Dayn started his appeal by asking the young people of the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) to donate a selection box or Christmas goodies.

The support he received was amazing as not only his fellow Scout members gave to his appeal.

Very quickly Dayn had smashed his target with the 18th Ayrshire Scout Group donating as well as Kingcase Primary, where Dayn attends school, Morrisons Ayr and the wider Prestwick Community adding to his total.

Speaking about his efforts, Dayn said: “Really enjoyed collecting for the other children at the hospital and loved sharing all the selection boxes and Christmas goodies out.”

The boxes were given to children at University Crosshouse Hospital for over the Christmas period.

A spokesperson for University Hospital Crosshouse said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported Dayn’s Christmas charity appeal. At the last count a massive 215 Selection boxes were donated and over 70 essential toiletries.

“This is a simple albeit humble act of kindness that will definitely put a huge smile on each child’s face who has been admitted and will be admitted over the Christmas period.

“Also supporting parents and guardians who didn’t have time to pack any personal care items prior to their child’s admission.”

14th Ayrshire Scout leader Fiona Hainey added: “When Dayn asked our Beaver Group to help with his appeal our full Scout Group never hesitates. “Dayn has always shown a commitment to helping others who are less fortunate them himself.

“Dayn is a gift to those he’s around. His positive attitude and charitable nature is humbling. Young people like Dayn represent the best values and traditions of Scouting. “I could not be prouder of him”.

Kyle and Carrick scouts are always on the lookout for people to help with activities. More info can be found at www.kcscouts.scot.