The initiative runs throughout September each year and applies to new or updated wills written during the month. The firm does not charge a fee but instead asks clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.

Last year, Thorntons saw an increase in under-35s planning for the future and compiling a will, which in turn contributed to this fundraising total being 40 per cent higher than the previous year.

Nick Barclay, private client partner at Thorntons, said: “Making a will is something everyone in Scotland aged over 16 should be thinking about but people often fear it’s a costly and morbid experience – this isn’t the case and our annual campaign is the ideal time to put affairs in order while supporting a local cause.

“It’s fantastic to see our charity wills initiative grow momentum each and every year with 2018/19 marking the biggest target reached to date for charity. We’re proud to support so many local causes through Cash for Kids as a result.”

The money donated by Thorntons provides a welcome boost to groups and causes across its network of offices. Last year this included a Fun and Food school project in Perth, holiday clubs in Angus, sensory room in Dundee and clothing bank in Kirkcaldy with more than 20,300 children supported in total from the company’s’ fundraising.

Claire Heaton, Radio Tay Cash for Kids charity manager, said: “Every year we are blown away by the generosity of those who participate in Thorntons charity wills campaign. The response has been incredible again in 2018 and we are thrilled that it has raised such a fantastic sum of money for Cash for Kids.”