Community groups are celebrating this week after winning a cash boost from the Irvine Participatory Budgeting event.

‘Decision Day’– held in the Volunteer Rooms – was the final stage for local groups and individuals from Irvine looking to secure funding from the Participatory Budget process.

After all the votes were tallied up, a total of 25 groups received amounts ranging from £750 to £1,500.

Five projects also shared almost £5,000 available from the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership.

More than 500 people attended last Saturday’s event as groups showcased their projects before guests made a decision on the ones they felt made a difference in the community.

Speaking after event, Councillor Louise McPhater said: “A huge well done to those involved in organising it and, more importantly, to those who got involved and took part.

“The Participatory Budgeting events are going from strength to strength and Saturday’s in Irvine was another huge success.

“We experienced huge numbers – with over 500 in attendance – and it was great to see so many local people taking part and having their say. These events would be nothing without the contributions of our communities so it is always hugely encouraging to see so many people getting involved.

“Participatory Budgeting is community empowerment and local democracy at its finest – with lots of groups celebrating and gaining some much-needed funds.”

The successful bids were:

Irvine & Troon Cancer Care - £1,500

Touched by Suicide Scotland - £1,500

Rainbow of Hope Bereavement Group - £1,200

North Ayrshire Young Persons Epilepsy

Support Group £1,500

5th Dreghorn Brownies - £1,500

Irvine Meadow Community Club - £1,500

Centrestage Communities Ltd - £1,500

Irvine Takeda Karate - £1,500

Coastwatch Scotland Irvine SCIO £1,500

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers - £1,450

Lawthorn Primary Parent Council - £1,000

The Golden Girls - £800

Showtime Youth Theatre £1,500

Irvine Seniors Forum - £1,500

Fullarton Community Association - £1,500

Year of Young People Transitional

Youth Work Summer Programme - £1,417.10

Irvine & Dreghorn Brass Band - £1500

Springside Summer Club - £1,500

Input - £,1000

Irvine Special Events Forum - £1,500

Irvine Neighbourhood Youth Forum - £1,414

Bourtreehill & Broomlands TARA - £750

Scottish Maritime Museum (Mens Shed) - £962.60

Irvine Beat FM SCIO - £1,500

Redburn Youth Management Committee - £1,135.30

Also Successful in their bid for Green Health Partnership funding were:

Coastwatch Scotland Irvine SCIO - £1,000

Irvine Lasses Burns Club - £538

Fullarton Community Association - £1,000

St Mark’s Parent Council - £1,000

Broomlands and Bourtreehill Tenants and Residents Association - £1,000