A group that provides support, help and activities for the community has received a much-needed funding boost.

Ardrossan Whitlees Community Association will receive £30,000 over two years from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust.

This grant programme was developed to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises in North Ayrshire to explore new opportunities to help them grow in size and improve long-term sustainability.

The money will be used for staffing costs to allow the group to continue carrying out a range of activities.

The group is part of North Ayrshire Fairer Food Network and delivers ‘food with dignity’ projects from larders, free breakfast clubs and reduced lunch menus.

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They also provide homework support group for children and families, courses and training for community volunteers, the DofE (Duke of Edinburgh) programme in partnership with Ardrossan Academy and a training kitchen providing volunteers with skills in cooking for family learning cooking classes.

The kind-hearted group is increasing its hours to allow for a ‘winter warmer’ to take place until March 2023. This has been identified as a resource for the community on the back of the current energy and food crisis.

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands, said: “Whitlees Community Association provide a range of activities for the community and have become hugely important in recent months.

“With the current cost-of-living crisis upon us, groups like this one have never been more relevant and do so much.

"I’m sure the community are indebted to them. All the staff are doing an incredible job and we are delighted to offer them this support.

"We are sure they will continue to provide for local people for many more years.”