CHRISTMAS came early for one brave boy when he took home the top toys of the year - thanks to the Evening Times, Hamleys and the St Enoch Centre

Alexander Gibson was given 10 gifts, including a Spiderman set and a Subbuteo kit, from Santa at the toy store in Glasgow city centre.

The seven-year-old, from Cambuslang, was the winner of the Evening Times competition when we teamed up with Hamleys and the St Enoch Centre and asked readers to nominate a special child.

Alexander was nominated by mum Catriona and dad Paul because he helped out so much following the death of his grandfather Edward, in May, just days before the youngster's birthday.

Catriona, 38, said: "Alexander was so close to his papa and they always used to go to football games together. He was really upset when he died but he still tried to make his wee sister feel better.

"I felt Alexander had to grow up quickly."

Alexander, who plays for his local club Blantyre Soccer Academy, was given the toys by Santa and his elves in the Hamleys party room in the St Enoch Centre.

Susan Nicol, the centre's general manager, said: "Alexander thoroughly deserves to win this great prize, having looked after sister Katie-Beth at such a difficult time."

Picture: Colin Mearns