Community groups helping those in need across North Ayrshire have been awarded funds from the Scottish Government.

Four community groups will receive their share of the £27 million Investing in Communities Fund between 2023 and 2026 for the work they do with disadvantaged areas.

In the Three Towns The Ayrshire Community Trust, based in Saltcoats, will receive funding for their ‘Saltcoats Link Up’ group.

Irvine-based housing association Ancho Ltd has been awarded the cash for their ‘KANDO’ initiative.

The Beith Community Development Trust was given the funds for their ‘Beith Means Business’ programme and the Kilwinning Community Sports Club for their ‘Train Today Work Tomorrow’ project.

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “This fund will help directly address issues facing disadvantaged communities, such as unemployment and food insecurity.

“We have been clear that the Scottish Budget is prioritising our limited resources to tackle child poverty, invest in our transition to net zero, and protect public services. And the projects supported through Investing in Communities speak to these priorities.

“Many will help ease immediate challenges from the cost-of-living crisis but also support communities in delivering longer term plans to address poverty.”

The amount of funding each project has secured is yet to be revealed.