IT IS 25 years since Cumnock and District Leisure Group – the charity that owns and runs Visions Leisure Centre in Cumnock – was set up.

And this week, those connected with the group have been paying tribute to the hard work and dedication that has been put into making the group what it is today.

The charity’s first fundraiser was a cake stall at Cumnock Gala Day. Among those pictured right are Jean Jagodowski, Anne Arthur and Kaye Hannah who remain board members to this day.

Before launching, the group volunteered to boost funds, holding events such as sportsman’s dinners, discos, balloon races, duck races and Christmas parties.

Kaye Hannah explained: “Others joined the group after the initial fundraiser and are still active board members.

“Seven hundred people paid a pound at the time to be a member of the charity so we had the community behind us which was vital for a lottery bid.”

The group is still owned by the community and charity and is supported by East Ayrshire Council with annual funding.