Ayrshire Orienteering Club has been awarded a funding boost which will help novices, children and low-income participants take part in their organised activities.

The sum of £500 has been donated by Mactaggart & Mickel as part of their donation drive across the country. The club, operating since the 1970s, actively tries to encourage the public to lead healthy, active, lives in the fresh air.

Current regulations meant that any equipment used by the club had to be quarantined for 72 hours between uses, which is why the funding will be spent on new equipment. Training meetings and competition days will be held again.

Speaking about the funding, club secretary Sheelagh Nicol said:“Orienteering is a community activity in which all ages and standards compete simultaneously, making it fun and convenient for people of all ages, encouraging them to spend more time outdoors.

“The funding given will allow us to reach more individuals within our local community as we can offer them the use of a timing chip that we use as part of our orienteering challenges.”

To find out more about the club, go to ayroc.co.uk .