BOYBAND McFly have helped raise £1000 to give needy kids a fantastic Christmas.

The chart stars signed pictures taken by Evening Times photographer Nick Ponty and auctioned them at a glittering gala ball raising money for the Cash for Kids charity.

The limited edition prints were part of a winning bid by businessman John Whyte for a package which also included a guitar autographed by the band, Paulo Nutini, Orson and X Factor star Nikitta.

Clyde 1 DJ Gavin Pearson handed over the signed photograph at the charity ball which raised almost £200,000.

A spokesman for the radio station said the band were delighted to sign the prints for such a worthy cause. He said: "Danny from the band did comment on how wonderful the picture was and given half the chance I think they would have taken one away with them.

Radio Clyde's Cash for Kids helps thousands of needy children in Glasgow and the West of Scotland and every year there are scores of events planned to raise money.

The charity is also one of the best-supported in the West of Scotland and last year raised £1.25million, which helped tens of thousands of youngsters enjoy a brighter Christmas.

Among the events held this year is Shush for Kids, a sponsored silence supported by John Whyte's firm Chattelle.

Cash for Kids is celebrating 25 years of fundraising and bosses are desperate to increase the total raised by the time the campaign ends on Christmas Eve.

More than 120 events were organised this year and many will run up to the day before Christmas.