AYR'S Tesco Extra has opened its brand new community room which is available for local charities and community groups to use free of charge.

The room, situated in the store on Whitletts Road, can be used for anything from knitting classes to book clubs, music lessons, charity meetings or events and even baby yoga.

It has been welcomed by local councillor, Ian Cavana as well as the local community groups. 

Store manager Stephen Dobson and community champion Joan Samson joined by Cllr Cavana, head of fundraising at Ayrshire Hospice Fiona Menzies and representatives from local charities for a special opening ceremony. 

Entertainment was provided by pupils from Braehead Primary School who sang at the event. 

Stephen said: “We are always looking for new ways to serve our customers and the local community, so we’re very excited about providing local groups and charities new community space. It’s free of charge to use and I’m sure this little help for customers and the community will be really popular.”

Cllr Cavana said: “The community room is a fantastic resource for the community and I would strongly recommend that local groups come along to have a look at the facilities on offer. It could be of real value and help to groups who may struggle to find an affordable venue to host meets and I hope they can take advantage of this.”

The community room has tea and coffee making facilities, seating areas and soft flooring and can be easily adapted to meet the needs of the various groups who may use it.

Joan Samson, community champion at the Tesco Extra store said: “I am really excited that the community room is now open for groups to use.

"We have put a lot of effort to make it a great space and we hope that customers see this and will find the room to be of use. I am looking forward to filling up the schedule with different activities.”