TWO Kilwinning community groups have been given a cash boost from the National Lottery.

ACES in Kilwinning and the St Winning’s Over 60s Club were each given a lump sum from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland.

The scheme gives grants from £300 to £10,000 to voluntary and community groups across the country and this time 74 groups across Scotland will benefit from the £590,572 given out.

ACES Woodwynd received £9,975 and will use the funding to deliver a six week summer holiday programme of activities to children and young people aged from six to 12 years old.

St Winnings Over 60’s Club received £2,097 and will use the funding to take 60 elderly people on three outings, giving people who are often living in isolation a chance to share new experiences with others in a safe group environment.

Colin Young from ACES said everyone at the club was “chuffed to bits” at receiving the award.

He said: “We are delighted. It is getting harder and harder to get funding these days so when you do get a bit of support it’s great. There’s a lot of stuff badly needing done up here so that money will go a long way.

“The summer camp is called ‘Making Memories’ and last year we had around 100 kids coming every day. We announced it yesterday and 24 hours later we already have 75 kids signed up, which is superb.”

A National Lottery Awards for All spokesperson said: “This National Lottery money is making a real impact in communities across Scotland. The 74 groups receiving funding today showcases the range of projects that can be funded through this programme and the difference that even the smallest amounts of money can make.”

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland is now more straightforward to apply to and faster to get funding from.

Applications are on a rolling basis and can be received at any time.

Visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland or phone 0300 123 7110.