TWO Irvine groups have been given a boost after receiving cash from the Big Lottery.

The Breastfeeding Network based in Irvine, has recently received a £9,860 Awards for All grant.

The network will use the money to organise a series of social events for families to promote breastfeeding across Scotland.

They will also host five events for volunteers to help build networks and offer motivation and support to the wider breastfeeding community.

AC Irvine Boys Club also received cash to the sum of £500 from Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme.

The organisation runs football skills training sessions for children living in a deprived area of North Ayrshire. The club will widen participation in the football training sessions, particularly amongst girls and will use the funds to purchase equipment and training kits.

Central Ayrshire MP, Brian Donohoe welcomed the funding - which is £10,360 in total.

He said: “I am very pleased to see this funding go to two very different kinds of groups within my constituency both of which are equally deserving of the helping hand this money will provide.

“Breastfeeding has been revealed to offer many benefits to babies and I am sure the Breastfeeding Network will be very pleased to have received this funding.

“The grant given to AC Irvine Boys Club promotes exercise and sport in this, the year Glasgow holds the Commonwealth Games.

“I am sure the club will also be very grateful for this funding and I hope it will help leave a lasting legacy of promoting sport and exercise among our local children.”