MP Philippa Whitford said she was impressed by the hard work and dedication of the team behind the new Broomlands and Bourtreehill community food larder.

The Central Ayrshire MP brought some supplies to the Farm Basket based next to Towerlands Farm Community Centre when she stopped in to meet the volunteers who run the Broomlands and Bourtreehill Community Association,BABCA.

And she was impressed with the community food larder’s approach, offering a more dignified service to families in the area.

For a small membership fee, they can fill bags for as little as £3 and the team at the Farm Basket make sure there are cupboard staples and fresh produce too.

Dr Whitford said: “I am very impressed with the hard work of the team and the way the shop has been set up here at the Farm Basket.

“It is good that they have a wide range of products including dried cupboard ingredients as well as toiletries and pet food.

“It’s good to see communities rally together and the community hubs and food larders in North Ayrshire work together.

“Well one to Janette Schill and Irene McIlwain and the team.”

Chairwoman of BABCA, Janette Schill said: “Word is getting out now in the community and we are looking forward to welcoming more people into the Farm Basket.

“We want to offer as much as we can to the people in the community, from single people to couples and families who are having a hard time.

“It’s taken a lot to get our shop up and running and now we want the people in the area to come forward and sign up to use it.

“Most of us know what it is like to struggle or for some months to be tight with money so if you come along, for just a few pounds you can fill your bags and make sure you have something to eat.”