NORTH Ayrshire secondary school pupils have secured thousands of pounds for local charities through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).

The event sees an entire year group at each school compete in teams to highlight charities tackling social issues such as mental health, domestic abuse, community provision, health support services and sports.

Through a unique programme of research, teamwork and competition, one team secures a £3,000 grant for their chosen cause.

This year, the winning projects included: St Matthew’s Academy: Kilwinning Community Sports Club, Ardrossan Academy: Scottish Association For Mental Health Auchenharvie Academy: Beatson Cancer Charity Kilwinning Academy: The Butterfly Club Garnock Academy: North Ayrshire Women’s Aid Largs Academy: The Boys’ Brigade (1st Largs) Arran High School: Arran Mountain Rescue Team Irvine Royal Academy: Age Concern Broomlands and Bourtreehill Greenwood Academy: Touched By Suicide Scotland YPI is the flagship programme of The Wood Foundation.

UK Deputy Director Jonathan Christie said: “The results from the 2017/18 academic year provide a unique insight of the causes empowered young people in communities across Scotland care about.

“Their impact, both in terms of engagement with these causes and securing this vital funding, is incredible.

“Young people also gain in terms of education, employability and life skills and we are looking forward to seeing what this year’s cohort achieve.”