A funding scheme that helps support community groups has appointed its youngest ever board member.

Zoe Nix, 20, from Irvine, will sit on North Ayrshire Ventures Trust (NAVT) after her recent appointment. The Community Development student been involved in North Ayrshire’s Youth Executive – a group that met with the Council to represent the views of the area’s young people – and also played a key role in last year’s Year of Young People celebrations.

Zoe has also worked for Young Scot on various projects over the years and has now been appointed onto the board of NAVT.

She will bring a different and youthful perspective to the grant programme which was developed to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises in North Ayrshire to explore new opportunities to help them grow and improve long-term sustainability.

Zoe said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to work for a Trust that makes such a difference to groups across North Ayrshire.

“The board is made up of senior Council officers, Councillors and some really successful business people. I’m hoping that I can bring a slightly different perspective and add something unique. So far the meetings have been really positive and everyone has been extremely welcoming.

“I’ve really enjoyed the various roles that I’ve had and have learned lots about our communities. I’m really passionate about the area and want what’s best for it.”

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities and chair of the NAVT, said: “We’re all really looking forward to working with Zoe and we’re sure she will be a huge asset to the Trust. “She brings a different perspective and, even more importantly, an awful lot of knowledge and skills. I have worked with Zoe previously and seen her in action and she is a highly intelligent young woman with lots of integrity.”

If you would like to apply or would like to learn more about NAVT, email infonavt@north-ayrshire.gov. uk