COMMUNITY projects have received cash injections from Tesco’s Bags of Help appeal.

Auchinleck Community Development Initiative will use the grant to create an interactive sensory garden with outdoor activities and a picnic area while Islay Dog Rescue plan to upgrade and improve the visitor area at their rescue centre near Cumnock.

Ayrshire Cancer Support’s grant will create a therapeutic garden in the grounds of their new centre in Kilmarnock to provide a caring and relaxing environment for patients and families.

The three projects were congratulated on their success by Isabel Kirkland, Community Champion in the Auchinleck Superstore.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the monthly roll-out of its funding scheme, with grants of £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects.

Three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded grants each month. Tesco customers voted for who was to receive the grants.

Gail Mullen, store manager at Tesco Auchinleck, said: “The money raised from our customers buying bags is making a big difference to local communities across the country.

“Thanks to Bags of Help, more than £25m has been invested so far on local environmental improvement projects like parks, sports facilities, school playgrounds and community gardens – projects chosen by our customers.”

Emma Halliday of Greenspace Scotland, added: “Bags of Help has already made an incredible difference to outdoor projects and groups across the UK and we are incredibly proud to have been involved in delivering this amazing initiative.”