Children in families that have experienced domestic abuse will enjoy some Christmas cheer this festive season thanks to the team at Search Consultancy.

The recruitment specialist is donating a bumper haul of hundreds of toys and books to youngsters who are being looked after at Women's Aid projects across Scotland.

Children living in refuges or being supported by Scottish Women's Aid member groups will now be cheered with some presents from the yuletide toy drive - staff at Search's offices in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Inverness have been collecting throughout December.

Big-hearted employee Diana Barclay is spearheading the Scotland-wide toy gathering campaign and has rallied staff to collect more than 150 toys, which are being delivered to Women's Aid branches in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow.

And Diana was delighted to hear about an extra special delivery of 39 boxes when one of Search's clients Better World Books heard of the appeal and donated around 400 books to the cause.

Colleagues in the Search Scotland offices have been gathering the books and toys together by age category and are distributing to Women's Aid branches across the country in time for Christmas.

Scottish Women's Aid is the lead organisation working to prevent and eradicate domestic abuse in Scotland, with 37 affiliated member groups throughout the country providing support year round to women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Diana, PA to Search Scotland's Managing Director, based in Glasgow, said: "Women's Aid is a charity that's important to Search all year round but particularly at Christmas.

"We want to give youngsters a bit of escapism at a time of year that can be very difficult for them and to make sure that they have gifts to open on Christmas morning.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the donation from Better World Books - it's so generous and was a genuine surprise. We would also like to say a huge thank you to all staff who have donated. They have all helped to make Christmas better for youngsters in need."

Mairi McManus, Operations Director at Better World Books, added: "A main priority for us is to make a positive social impact and to give the books we receive a second life. When we heard that Search was in the process of a toy drive for Women's Aid, we really felt compelled to help.

"Reading is a fantastic way to relax and there's nothing like getting lost in a good book. It's an absolute pleasure to be able to pass that on to children who may be in need of some cheer over Christmas."

Lily Greenan, Chief Executive of Scottish Women's Aid, said: "This is an incredibly generous donation and will be welcomed by Women's Aid branches across Scotland.

"Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for families in refuge and for those trying to establish a new tenancy.

"The donation is very welcome and will be of great benefit to families this festive season."