A service helping young runaways is to continue its vital work after receiving £645,000 from the lottery.

Dundee-based Safe and Sound has supported more than 180 young people and families since 2011.

The project aims to prevent homelessness by helping young runaways return safely to the family home or get a place of their own.

Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown said it made an "invaluable impact" on youngsters in need.

Runaways, whether sleeping rough or "sofa surfing", are extremely vulnerable, he added.

Today's runaways are tomorrow's young homeless people

Safe and Sound is run jointly by Shelter Scotland and Relationships Scotland and is also open to young people in Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross.

Mr Brown added: "Today's runaways are tomorrow's young homeless people and if we are serious about preventing homelessness then addressing why children and young people run away is essential.

"Safe and Sound has had an invaluable impact on the lives of many young people and their families since its launch, and will continue to do so thanks to this funding."

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair Maureen McGinn said: "This grant will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish Safe and Sound every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project."