A BARRHEAD club has been shortlisted for an award which could see its members benefit from thousands of pounds of funding.

The Tuesday Friendship Club could become one of the latest recipients of support from Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect initiative, with a grant of up to £15,000 on offer.

Community Connect was launched last year and enables Scotmid members to award good causes in their local area with funding generated via the sale of single use carrier bags.

In Scotmid’s West Member region, the Tuesday Friendship Club is one of three groups shortlisted to receive a financial award of either £2,500, £7,500 or £15,000.

The club is the vision of chairperson Mags Monaghan, who was inspired to help her sister, who has learning disabilities, enjoy a high quality of life and form lasting friendships.

Formed in May 2016, the club has helped hundreds of people enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, including bingo, karaoke and cabaret, every Tuesday evening in Barrhead’s Columba Club.

Mags said: “When we found out we had been shortlisted, we were totally overwhelmed.

“To get that level of recognition from outside about the work that we do and the difference we are making is fantastic.”

If selected as the winner, the group will use the funding to provide respite breaks at caravans in Ayrshire.

It is up against the Trust Jack Foundation, which supports young people who are suffering from mental health issues or are at high risk of suffering from mental illness, and Finding Your Feet, which helps amputees live to their full potential.

Scotmid members can collect votes by swiping their Community Connect card after each purchase and cast votes in-store or at Scotmid’s West Region Annual General Meeting in April.