THE Little Art School in Ayr is one of three community projects awarded almost £50,000 of National Lottery funding to make a difference to their local communities.

They were among three groups who won the most public votes in The People’s Projects, which saw five community groups within the region to compete for a slice of £150,000. 

The Art in a Suitcase project in Allloway Place, run by the Little Art School Trust SCIO in Ayr, got a grant of £48,856.

They will use the funding to run a series of art classes for over 500 older people with dementia in care homes and community settings. 

They will also be able to recruit four to six members and expand their services into North and East Ayrshire.

Martin Cawley, Director for Scotland, Big Lottery Fund said: “The People’s Projects highlights the incredible things people and communities are doing across the UK. 

“From rural villages to towns and cities, local people are working together to help each other lead happier and healthier lives.

“We’re really excited to see this year’s winners using National Lottery funding to take their projects further, bringing more people together to make a life changing difference in their local area.”