FASHION and textile students at Heriot-Watt University have used their classroom teachings to bring some festive cheer to residents at a Borders care home.

Lisa Thom, a fourth year fashion technology student oversaw the project which involved designing and donating a unique advent calendar to the residents of the Galahill Care Home in Galashiels.

Measuring approximately one square metre, the calendar took around two weeks to complete, with students working on the project in their free time.

They were involved across every step of the creative process from the design to the delivery, and used a range of textile materials.

The finished result is an eye-catching, festive scene that was enjoyed every-day by the care home residents in the countdown to Christmas.

Dr Aude Le Guennec, academic lead for public engagement at the School of Textiles and Design, praised their efforts, saying: “As a University, we are always keen to work and support our local communities and when the care home approached us with this idea, we couldn’t turn it down."

Professor Fiona Waldron, head of school, added: “We are very proud of all our students who did a fantastic amount of work to bring this advent calendar to life. I’m sure their efforts have helped brighten up Christmas for all the care home residents and their families.”

The advent calendar includes 24 individually-numbered fabric pockets capable of holding a handful of sweets in each. It is also sustainable as it is made from recycled yarns and fabrics, and can be used repeatedly in future years.

Tracey McGeown, activities co-ordinator at Galahill Care Home, said: “To all the students that worked on the advent calendar... We were so delighted and most grateful, the students have such varied ideas, it's a wonderful visual and so beautiful, we love it, please pass on our sincerest thanks to the students and those involved in putting the calendar together.”