Generous parishioners in Irvine have dug deep into their pockets to help raise more than £1,000 for a vital project in poverty-stricken Malawi.

A whopping £1,125 was raised for the planned clinic in Kanyanda at a fun day organised by Fullarton Church.

Among the attractions on the day were a tombola, bouncy castle and an opportunity to try out virtual reality (VR) –  a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real – which proved hugely popular with people of all ages.

The project teams at Fullarton and Malawi, including retired Anglican priest Alex Mndala, had an opportunity to meet in an online link-up before the event.

Organiser Ian Young said: “Alex was at the site and gave us a WhatsApp. It was great for the two teams to be able to see each other.

“It wasn’t pre-arranged as it was touch and go if we were going to get a signal.”

He added: “Thanks to all who took part. We are very pleased and thanks to the volunteers who put such an effort into it.

“Donna Smith and the other volunteers put a pile of work into it. I am really pleased that most people seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“It’s nice to make money, but this is also all about community and working together. The weather turned out to be good for us.

“Over £1,100 is a nice sum. It gives us measurable progress which you can see. It’s something tangible.

“This  was a great team effort and people are committed. We had good feedback from people who attended and the people I spoke to were pretty positive about the whole thing.

"The VR was popular. It was a good day.

“This will help with the overall cost and it’s a big step forward, it will keep the momentum going.”

More than £18,000 has been raised for the project so far towards the overall goal of £30,000.

Ian added: “The roof is now on and the next steps are to do the windows and doors, plastering etc.”

The next event at Fullarton Connexions in support of the project is a craft fair on Saturday, May 13.

Talented stallholders are invited to showcase their wares. Tables are priced at £25 each and this is an opportunity to share your creations, with all proceedings going to the Irvine Kanyanda Project. 

To book a slot, send an email to fullartoncrafts@gmail.com or message Fullarton Connexions on Facebook.