A HOST of local groups have benefited from a fund following the summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Bellsbank Primary, Muirkirk Bowling Club and Cumnock Rugby Club Mini Midi Section are just three of many groups across Scotland to receive a chunk of the £6.4 million Lottery Fund designed to leave a grassroots sporting legacy in the wake of the Games.

Over 150 sports clubs, schools, scout groups and voluntary organisations shared the final £260,635 from the Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme.

Since 2008, £6.4 million has been awarded to 4,180 projects that support grass roots involvement in sport and physical activity - with funding going to every one of Scotland’s local authorities.

Bellsbank Primary have received £1,986 to allow the school to deliver 'Bikeability’, a Scotland cycling programme after school for eight weeks which will be delivered by the Active Schools Co-ordinator.

The school will also start an after school basketball club to encourage children to participate in as much sport as possible.

Cumnock Rugby Club Mini Midi Section received £2,000. The club will use the funding for equipment to expand their extracurricular programme, as well as the number of teams they run.

Muirkirk Bowling Club have been allocated £1,900 which will go towards junior bowls.

Bellsbank Primary Head Teacher, Donald Currie said: “We have children here who are very keen to cycle to school and we are keen to keep the kids active.

“The funding we have received will now go towards the purchase of new bikes for those children who don’t own a bike as well as safety equipment including crash helmets.

“A lot of children have been disadvantaged by not having a bike so we wanted to include all of them.

“We’re always grateful for funding that will make a difference to the children.”