A NUMBER of labour activists from East Ayrshire are pictured with the Scottish Labour Party leader, Richard Leonard.

He was in Ayrshire for a meeting with key campaigners including chairwoman of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley branch, Carol Mochan.

Among issues she raised were the ongoing crisis in local council funding, the NHS and a recent study on the number of children living in poverty.

Ms Mochan said: “Child poverty figures have soared and it is unacceptable to live in a society where a third of children live below the breadline.

“The Scottish Labour Party support the Give me Five campaign.

“This is asking for the Scottish Government to use the powers of the Scottish Parliament to top up child benefit by £5.”