The Communities and Place Fund – part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – has already boosted local groups through the first round of funding last year.

Now the second stage of funding is scheduled to open in the coming weeks, with organisations able to apply for a share of the pot. Information events will take place both in person and online in March, with full details to follow.

North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet this week gave the green light for the next stage of the funding which aims to support projects which build pride in local communities.

The first round of funding through the Communities and Place Fund was made last September and saw grants worth a total of £160,000 awarded to nine groups in North Ayrshire.

The upcoming second round of funding will see a total of £600,000 available for groups.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “We will shortly be inviting applications to the next round of the Communities and Place Fund.

“Voluntary groups and organisations are the lifeblood of our communities and will have many ideas about how they can bring about positive change to their area.

“I would urge them to consider how the fund might help them realise their ambitions.”

The fund is scheduled to open for applications in the coming weeks. Details on the upcoming information events and application process will be available on the council’s website.