A Moray organisation has received a £10,000 funding boost to help members’ continuing efforts to improve their surroundings.
The Elgin Youth Development Group, which runs the town’s popular youth cafe, will plough the donation into growing its Delta Force scheme.
The programme supports youngsters to carry out community-friendly tasks in the town, such as removing graffiti spray, lending older residents a helping hand and stewarding local events.
The organisation’s social development manager, Fiona Birse, said the donation also helped the charity secure a youth worker.
She added: “We were delighted to receive this funding, which means we are able to complete a variety of projects.
“The money will go towards gardening, painting, stewarding at events and helping with community fundraisers.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead met the youngsters who will be making the most of the donation during a visit to the group’s base in the centre of Elgin.
Mr Lochhead said: “This group undertakes excellent work to provide positive opportunities for our young folk.
“Funding such as this plays a key financial role for charities and of course I welcome this funding to further the services they offer.”
The group received the windfall from the Bank of Scotland Foundation, which ploughed more than £90,000 into charities across the country last year.
In November, the Elgin Youth Development Group drew-up plans to create a purpose-built community kitchen at its Elgin cafe after securing £100,000 in government funding.
The enterprise targets young people who are not in employment, education or training.