VOTING is now open to give four North Ayrshire community groups the chance of gaining up to £3,000 in funding.

Community radio station Irvine Beat FM, Community Led Action and Support Project (CLASP), Auchenharvie Figure Skating Club and North Ayrshire Cancer Care have all been shortlisted for the chance to obtain funding from the Bank of Scotland Community Fund.

The Fund aims to help people have a positive impact at the heart of their community by giving grants to four good causes from 58 communities across Scotland.

Votes can be cast online, by text, by visiting a local Bank of Scotland branch and, for the first time, via Twitter.

The group that receives the most votes will receive the £3,000 award, with the second place group scooping £2,000.

Those in third and fourth place will receive £1,000 and £500 respectively.

Mike Moran, Director, Bank of Scotland said: “Through our Helping Britain Prosper Plan we have committed to being the banking group that brings communities together to help them thrive.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to support more community groups than ever before to continue their vital work through our Community Fund 2014.

“This year your vote can make a significant difference to the amount awarded to each community group so I encourage everyone to take a moment to vote for a good cause locally.” For more information visit www.bankofscotland.co.uk/communityfund.