Community groups and organisations to receive fresh funding to help support their work.

Up to £40,000 was made available from South Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, and Community Choices, with grants up to £5000.

Over 140 people who lived, worked, volunteered or studied in the area voted for which group should receive the grants at an event on Saturday.

A total of 17 projects were granted funding including a rural bus service to support the Girvan Folk Festival, a book group in Barr, a free walking football centre in Girvan, and plans for a new community Garden in Colmonell.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council Douglas Campbell said: "Supporting our rural communities is an important part of what we do and these latest grants helped local groups take forward important projects.

"It's the first time a decision day event has been held in Colmonell and the great turnout on the day highlights the strength of support for a broad range of organisations working to make lives better.

"I'd like to thank everyone working behind the scenes for helping to organise the event and wish all those who took good luck as the latest projects are brought to life."