Community groups in Monkton, Prestwick and Symington have secured new funding from the latest decision day.

Almost 260 people turned out to take part in the event on Saturday, which saw 16 community groups receive up to £20,000 in funding.

The event is part of a new way to encourage people to get actively involved in local decision making known as 'Participatory Budgeting'.

Up to £20,000 was available at the event, with groups funded up to £1,000 for local projects and up to £3,000 for projects that benefit the wider community.

Voting was open to anyone living, working, volunteering or studying in Monkton, Prestwick and Symington, and anyone aged over ten years old.

Among the successful projects were an exercise programme for Monkton senior citizens, new equipment for the Symington Gala Committee and helping bring puppet events to life through the first Monkton and Prestwick Girls Brigade.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Douglas Campbell, said the money would make a real difference.

He said: "We're committed to working with our communities to deliver investment and services that help people to realise their full potential.

"Our series of decision days, which allow people to vote on funding for local projects, have been embraced by communities, with hundreds of people having taken part in more than a dozen events across South Ayrshire in the last year.

"After the latest event, successful groups can now take forward ideas that will benefit communities in Monkton, Prestwick and Symington, and I wish everyone the best of luck as the projects get underway."