A scheme to increase early learning and childcare provision (ELC) has been piloted in Irvine ahead of being rolled out across the country.

Across Scotland, entitlement to fully-funded ELC is due to increase from 600 hours to 1140 hours by 2020.

The Fullarton Centre was one of a handful of areas across the country to trial the plan, with a consultation of parents and carers showing 83% were keen to take some or all of the hours available.

A total of 64% of respondents said they would take 900 hours or more while 19% would require to buy extra hours to continue or take up employment.

Childcare was a key issue with 71% requiring morning care while 64% selected afternoons.

The proposed delivery model also highlights the requirement to create a new early learning centre, which could accommodate 40 three to four-year-old children and 20 two-year-old children.