A football club has stepped in to help a group of families 'create golden memories' after they were scammed out of hundreds of pounds by a local holiday Facebook page.

Kids were left devastated in a Hamilton car park on Saturday after their day trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park turned out to be a scam.

Over 70 parents and children were expecting to spend the first day of their summer holidays in the animal park, but instead were forced to go home after coach drivers revealed they had not been paid by the organiser. 

Now, the kids affected have been offered the day of a lifetime by local football team Hamilton Accies through their Blameless Charity.

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They will have the chance to explore the club's newly installed safari walk and remembrance garden, as well as meet and greet some of the biggest names in the club.

Chief executive Colin McGowen exclusively told The Evening Times: "It will be an absolute privilege to help these kids and give them and their families the happy memories they deserve.

"Last night, they would have been so excited to get ready to go to today's trip. Imagine their disappointment this morning.

"Hamilton Accies would be delighted to help in any way we can, and we would love them to spend a special day with us.

He added: "We will give them a day they will never forget."

And after a chat with The Evening Times, the team have decided to take their offer one step further.

The affected kids will now be given the chance to be treated to a course meal before seeing any game of their choice, free of charge.

And any kids under the age of 15 will be offered a free season ticket - meaning they can spend their summer holiday in style.

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Paula Gibson's two children were heartbroken to discover the trip had been called off.

She told The Evening Times: "It was my wee one's first time to the safari park, and he was so excited.

"For us, it's not about the money. It's the fact that we had devastated kids stranded in a car park for hours, on the first day of their summer holidays."

Police Scotland have now confirmed that a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Evening Times has contacted the holiday page involved for comment.

Are you one of the families affected? Contact eleanor.duffy@newsquest.co.uk to be put in touch with Hamilton Accies FC.