Members of Girlguiding Scotland have collected 5600 pairs of shoes and socks for refugees.

The project was put together by a group of young women working towards their Queen's Guide award - the highest accolade for Girl Guides.

The idea for the Step in my Shoes project was sparked after they heard about the dangerous conditions many refugees face as they journey into Europe from war-torn places like Syria.

Run in partnership with humanitarian charity Edinburgh Cares, the project planners originally set themselves the target of collecting 3000 pairs of socks and shoes from within the organisation.

This is equal to one pair of socks and shoes for every Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Senior Section unit in Scotland.

Organisers say they been "overwhelmed" by the response from Girlguiding Scotland members, who have helped the project smash its target in time for Refugee Week, beginning June 20.

23-year-old project planner Lesley-Ann Robertson said: "When we learned that refugees were making long and dangerous journeys with unsuitable footwear - and sometimes no shoes at all - we knew we wanted to do something practical to help.

"We realised that the shoes we had in the back of our wardrobes could make a huge difference to someone's life."

She added: "We've been overwhelmed by the response from units across Scotland. It's fantastic to see other Girlguiding Scotland members getting behind this project and feeling as empowered to make change as I am."

Since the project launched in April, thousands of donations have been sent in from as far as the Western Isles and Thurso, over 300 miles away from the designated drop-off point.

Many girls also wrote messages of support to the refugees who will receive their shoes.

Molly, 12, from 2nd Lockerbie Guides, said: "I got to write a message to the girl who will get my shoes.

"I hope when she sees them she'll know that there are lots of people around the world who care and want her to be safe."

Jessie, a 6-year-old Rainbow, said: "I donated my favourite red sandals. I hope they make another girl really happy when she sees them."

Sue Walker, chief commissioner for Girlguiding Scotland, said: "I'm delighted Girlguiding Scotland members have come together to make a real difference to refugees through this ambitious social action project.

"It's fantastic to see our girls and young women using their voices and taking action to help others around the world.

Angela Turnbull and Lorraine O'Sullivan of Edinburgh Cares said: "We've been amazed by the generous response from Girlguiding Scotland members across the country.

"Their donations will bring comfort and hope to thousands of refugees facing such difficult conditions."

Girlguiding Scotland has nearly 50,000 young members aged 5 to 25, and offers girls and young women a space to try new experiences, develop skills and grow their confidence.

Edinburgh Cares is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation, initially set up in September 2015 in response to the humanitarian crisis that resulted from the Syrian civil war.

It works with local partners to deliver aid to people in Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Macedonia, Greece, Syria and Turkey.