The new Fullarton Employability Hub has opened in Irvine.

Based at Fullarton Community Hub, it was launched as part of Challenge Poverty Week.

The nationwide initiative hopes to raise awareness of the existence of poverty in local communities.

Senior employability manager for North Ayrshire Council Greig Robson said: "The idea came from the local community association.

"At the heart of any good hub, we think, is good facilities where people can drop in and be met with a friendly welcoming.

"It's about the person that walks through the door for one thing then realises there's a whole series of other doors within the building that can open up opportunities for them and that there's people here to help them."

He added: "I hope that in a year's time we can look back on a successful first year for the hub and a long line of people who have improved their lives by getting a job, or going to training, or going to college or volunteering."

Councillor Joe Cullinane said: "It's part of a wider approach to tackling inequality this week.

"It's that type of holistic support that we can provide our local residents with, like employability, debt and financial support, that will make a difference."