An 88-year-old woman is hoping people in Arbroath have a hug to go with their coffee mugs to raise money for charity.
Octogenarian Anna Haag will be offering customers at Smithies Deli in Keptie Street a hug if they make a donation to Horseback UK on February 20.
Anna explained: “On December 23 I was in Smithies and before I went out I gave a hug to all the staff.
“I’m a regular here and I know everybody and I just said ‘does anyone want a hug for Christmas?’
“Afterwards Patti and I looked at each other and said maybe we should do something about that hug business.
“One thing led to another and she got in touch with Ian Wren, who is a fundraising manager for Horseback UK, and she told me that the event was happening.”
As well as the money raised from the hugs, all the coffees and teas sold that day will go to Horseback UK.
There will also be a raffle and local handyman Mark Cargill will be auctioning off four hours of his time for chores.
Patti said: “After my hug from Anna, I joked that she should sell them. She replied that she’d do it for charity. I just took it from there.”
Horseback UK helps injured troops regain their confidence through working with horses.
Charity founder and former marine Jock Hutchison describes the facilities at the ranch in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, as a chance for the former servicemen and women to become leaders again under instruction from other veterans who have also suffered injuries.
Head equine instructor Emma Hutchison said: “The money raised by Patti and Anna will go towards the maintenance of our horses.”