North Ayrshire Foodbank received a welcome boost thanks to a scheme spearheaded by the council.

The donation has come from the Rexel group, which supplies electrical goods to North Ayrshire Council, through the community benefit requirements within their contract.

Contractors appointed by the Council now have to provide community benefits as part of their contract, including job opportunities for residents, offering training and learning link-ups and support for schools and community causes.

This follows new legislation that was introduced to ensure the procurement processes play a part in improving economic, social and environmental wellbeing to the authority’s area.

Provost Ian Clarkson joined Rexel’s Drewe McIlroy to hand over the cheque for £355.49 to Craig Crosthwaite of North Ayrshire Foodbank.

The Provost said: “We are delighted that this scheme has allowed us to help a hugely-important charity here in North Ayrshire. I have seen first-hand the work carried out by the Foodbank volunteers and they do such a fantastic job.”

Drewe McIlroy, Regional Business Development Manager for Rexel UK, said: “We truly appreciate the opportunity to be able to support such a worthwhile great cause within the North Ayrshire community. Rexel UK look forward to supporting the North Ayrshire Council Foodbank again in the years to come to support the great charitable work it carries out.”

Craig Crosthwaite said: “I’d like to thank North Ayrshire Council and the Rexel Group for their kind donation.

“It will help support us as we continue to provide a lifeline service to the people who need it most.”