A GENEROUS Kilwinning man has put together a fund-raising concert in the town to give his local community a huge boost.

And the money Michael Kirkum's event raised will help buy vital supplies for the many people still suffering though the cost-of-living crisis.

His Cranberry Jam concert, staged in Cranberry Moss Community Centre, brought in £1,606 - with the money to be used to help the centre's own community larder.

It completed a great charity drive for the area after a highly successful Easter egg appeal, which he organised with son Michael junior, and saw items donated to Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock and around the community, including in Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan and Saltcoats.

When added to the Easter egg effort at Crosshouse Hospital and around the community, £4,256 has been donated to local causes.

Michael senior bounced back from a short hospital admission to host the concert.

He said: “That was a good amount, which will help a lot of people.

"The donations will go to Cranberry’s community larder and I will buy food for the community from the proceeds.

"It took six weeks from the planning to the actual concert.

“Seventy people came along and thanks so much to them for turning out. People are really grateful for what we have done. Times are difficult.

"The whole reason for the concert was to ease the burden on people in the area. I never set a target but that’s a lot of money to raise.”

Irvine Times:

Taking part were a host of acts including piper Alan Anderson, soprano Katie Cochran, vocalist Siannen McIlroy, saxophone player Gerry O’Hagan and guitarist Craig Scott.

Meanwhile, Crosshouse Hospital was delighted with the Easter egg donations for the children’s ward.

Hospital play specialist Michelle Dodds said: “Having to stay in hospital is never easy, but it can be especially hard for children over the holidays.

“For many years now, Michael and the local businesses he approaches have helped bring joy to patients staying with us over Easter. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity.”