THE Kids Come First Childcare charity in Ballingry is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the monthly funding scheme which sees grants of £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000, all from the 5p bag levy, being awarded to local outdoor community projects.

greenspace scotland is working with Groundwork to produce support to communities in Scotland.

Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and this month shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think shoulf take away a top grant.

Kids Come First Out of School Care Charity is one of the groups on the shortlist/

Kids Come First are hoping to hold a 'Summer Celebrations' programme which will engage with children and young people from all backgrounds with the aim of providing multiple opportunities to enhance their quality of life.

The project will provide a six week programme of of sports, leisure and recreation sessions which will aim to build confidence and self esteem whilst realising talents and interests.

Bringing children together during the summer school holiday period and will also sustain social networking amongst the children an d tackle social isolation aspects during the school holiday timetable.

Summer celebrations sill introduce health initiatives to the general community and will include a variety of activities including football, fun run, outdoor recreation games, tennis, boot camp, rugby, climbing wall, archery and a community fun day.

A key element of the programme will be the inclusion of a healthy snack or breakfast for the children to ensure that their health continues to be catered for.

The programme will provide new opportunities for children in the Benarty area and enable them to try out new skills during the six to seven week break.

Ranway Paterson, chairperson of KCF is delighted that they have been chosen to take part in the Bags for Help scheme: "Our organisation is a not for profit charity aimed at providing better opportunities for children and young people.

"Our passion is about supporting local families and making sure that children are healthy and happy-this funding can help us to provide further activities to promote healthy lifestyles and bring children and their families together to celebrate a vibrant community."