A NORTH Ayrshire charity has teamed up with regional partners to help deliver a new economic strategy.

The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) has become the first third sector organisation to sign the Community Wealth Building Anchor Charter.

TACT, based in Saltcoats, follows in the footsteps of the three Ayrshire councils, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Scottish Enterprise who pledged their support in October.

The charity has been running for 20 years and provides volunteering opportunities for people across the region.

Chief executive Barbara Hastings said: “The signing of the Charter demonstrates our commitment.

“This approach enables the third sector to be aspirational and create opportunities which will bring real benefit to our local economy where fair

work, training and employment are at the heart of what we do.

“It provides hope for our young people and opportunity for all.”

By signing the Charter, TACT has committed to embedding Community Wealth Building across its organisation.

This will involve supporting fair employment and environmental sustainability, while spending and employing locally whenever possible.

Cllr Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are delighted that TACT have signed our Charter.

“They are a fantastic, well respected local third sector organisation that do so much for our area.

“Community Wealth Building is about working in partnership with communities, organisations and businesses, including social enterprises, to build a strong local and regional economy together.”