AYRSHIRE Bridge Union presented a cheque to Symington based charity, Hansel, to help continue their connect service.

ABU, which is based in Prestwick, donated a large sum of £758 from the Ann Galt charity Pairs competition - an annual event which is played by member clubs throughout November and January.

A total of 14 clubs took part in the competition, held in memory of ABU former Secretary.

Alison Tudor, the current secretary, said: "We pick a different charity every year and someone mentioned what good work Hansel does for the Ayrshire Community.

"We decided to find out more about the charity and were mazed at how much they do and how dedicated the people who work there are.

"14 of our members took park in the charity event and I would like to thank them all for their efforts."

The money will be used for Hansel's Connect service which aims to support young people with learning disabilities to become more self-confident through peer friendship support and to feel more in control of their own lives.

Picking up the cheque, Debbie Campbell, Hansel's Fundraising Assistant, added: "We are extremely grateful to Ayrshire Bridge Union for this money which will be put to very good use.

"The care sector is under a huge amount of pressure due to soaring costs and we have never needed the help of the public more."