LUCKY youngsters are taking a festive flight of dreams.

More than 120 children from Glasgow, Paisley and Ayrshire will take to the skies with their families - some for the first time.

The pupils all come from additional needs schools and disadvantaged areas.

The annual Flight of Dreams takes off on Tuesday, December 16, and is organised by Cash of Kids and the Thomas Cook Children's Charity.

Joanna Wild, chairwoman of the Thomas Cook Children's Charity, said: "We're thrilled that we can offer this unforgettable experience on one of our aircraft to these children and their families, especially as they have never flown before.

"It will be a fantastic day."

The Flight of Dreams offers children from disadvantage backgrounds or those with special educational needs and their families the chance to experience a festive flight over the UK.

Ensuring VIP treatment every step of the way, the children will enjoy entertainment at the airport before taking off on a one hour flight on board a new aircraft.

And they also receive a surprise visit from Father Christmas and his team of elves - receiving a special gift - courtesy of Hamleys.

Cash for Kids supports disabled and disadvantaged children from across Glasgow and aims to keep the Magic of Christmas alive for some very special guests on the flight.

The young fliers - all nominated by Cash for Kids - belong to some of the organisations, charities, schools and groups that they work with.

Debbie Fraser, Charity Manager of Cash for Kids, said: "We are thrilled that Thomas Cook Children's Charity have chosen Cash for Kids from across the Glasgow region for their Flight of Dreams.

"The Flight of Dreams is for some of these children the very first time they have experienced air travel and I am sure that this will be an unforgettable memory that they will treasure forever."

Christoph Debus, CEO Thomas Cook Airlines UK, added: "It's fantastic that such deserving children are helping us bring our Flight of Dreams to Glasgow, an important airport for our airline.

"It's a very special day for us and we are very honoured to be able to share this great occasion."

Flight of Dreams

In total there are three 'Flight of Dreams' taking place during November and December at Stansted, Glasgow and Manchester airports. 123 children are attending the Glasgow flight, nominated by Cash for Kids from:

€¢ ASFaCT, Ardeer

€¢ Kirkrigggs Primary School, Glasgow

€¢ Langlands Primary School, Glasgow (mostly children with special needs/autism)

€¢ A group from Stranraer area (vulnerable children, nominated through social workers)

ۢ Ferguslie Caf̩, Food Poverty Project based in Paisley

€¢ Glencassels Community Development Project, Lanarkshire (Community Group)

€¢ Govan HELP, Govan, Glasgow (Community Group)

€¢ Onthank Early Childhood Centre, Onthanks, Ayrshire