A struggling inner city farm could be saved from closure after over £34,000 was raised to help keep it open in only four days.
Soaring running costs and a slump in external funding had forced staff at the popular Goorgie City Farm in Edinburgh to make an urgent plea for £100,000.
The farm has been running for more than 38 years but financial struggles in recent months led to the closure of its cafe in January.
Despite a three-year grant from city bosses, the Gorgie Road venue needs to raise a major sum to secure its future.
Organisations including Sainsbury's and PWC have got behind the bid, while hundreds of people have transferred money online.
The six major Sainsbury's stores in Edinburgh all dedicated fundraising efforts on bank holiday Monday (Today) to the ailing farm.
And Hearts supporters collectively handed over £1,000 to the farm, which is only yards from Tynecastle Stadium, after Saturday's match against Celtic.
The farm said £34,000 in donations had been received by first thing this morning.
Chairman George Elles said he had been "overwhelmed" by the support.
READ MORE: Gorgie City Farm makes public appeal for £100,000 to prevent closure
He said: "We're really pleased. Hearts have been absolutely brilliant and there were people coming in all day yesterday with little cheques and all sorts of things.
"It's a hot favourite in Edinburgh. It has been there for so many years and does so much for people across the city in terms of education, as well as people with disabilities. It's a great place."
A number of city leaders have lent their backing to the attraction, which works with more than 100 volunteers every week and supports young teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Green councillor Gavin Corbett, who represents Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart, said: "I am absolutely delighted that there has been such a big and generous response to the farm's appeal.
"It's a sign of what we have always said - that the farm has a big place in the hearts of so many families in the city.
"Of course, it is early days still and there is still a long way to go to meet the £100,000 target.
"But, as word spreads, I am certain that the fundraising will grow."
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