Groups hoping to contribute to the positive transformation of Barrhead came together on Saturday to make their case for a share of £30,000.

A total of 21 community projects were represented at the Barrhead Foundry as they tried to convince people to vote for them at the participatory budgeting event.

Run by Barrhead Housing Association (BHA), the aim was to let the public decide which local projects they would like to see funded.

Bryan Dando, community regeneration officer at BHA, told the Barrhead News: “As part of our new Community Regeneration Strategy, we established a Community Fund to support local groups to take forward activities which address defined needs within the area.

“As this is a brand new fund, we are delighted that we were able to shortlist a diverse range of meaningful community projects that will positively make a difference to our local communities.

“BHA are really excited to be using a Participatory Budgeting process for the first time, which means that the decision on which projects will receive funding is entirely in the community’s hands.”

Almost 800 people attended Saturday’s event, with seven projects earning a share of the cash.

Among those celebrating were the Barrhead Men’s Shed, Neilston Scout Group, Levern Valley Brass Brand, Include Me2 Club, Yoga Untangled, East Renfrewshire Good Causes (ERGC) and the Neilston Wasps football team.

Over the course of the day, there were 2,840 votes cast by members of the public, including hundreds from local children.