IT should be a grand old gala in Lochgelly this year after the committee received a donation of £1,000.

Going back to the future is paying off as the cash came in from the sale of 200 Lochgelly Past and Present calendars.

Local historian Derek Johnstone came up with the idea and they've proved so popular that there's demand from the other side of the world.

He told the Times: "A massive thank you to every one who bought a calendar, from all sides of the globe.

"A total of 23 went to Australia and New Zealand and eight to other countries."

The idea for the calendars was a spin-off from two Facebook groups he set up – Lochgelly Past and Present and Cowdenbeath past and Present.

The social media pages allowed folks with the towns at their hearts to share photos, stories and memories, and both sites have thousands of members from all round the world.

Derek, a former Lochgelly Citizen of the Year, collects old photos and decided to put a selection together for calendars for both towns.

He said: "I'd like to thank Louise Gibson (Macari's Cafe) and Mel and Raymond Wilson (The Minto Lounge) for selling these on my behalf and to George Courts for generating extra sales."

The Lochgelly calendars sold out in quick time and it's today's generation that will benefit, with the proceeds for the gala.

Derek added: "This is a remarkable achievement and a great cause that they have contributed towards.

"I am chuffed to bits on this total and very proud of the generosity of the people that are associated with our wee toon."