A MAJOR windfall has been secured by an Ayr sports club.

Ayr Archery Club have received a £1000 donation from Cash 4 Clubs, a scheme run by online sports betting company Paddy Power Betfair.

They are now one of a number of community clubs enjoying a summer bonus this year and will spend the money to help boost their equipment.

The charitable scheme is open to all local sports clubs in the UK and has given out more than a quarter of a million pounds to local sports clubs since its inception in 2008.

Club President Ged Laing was delighted when he found out their club was amongst the 2017 winners.

He said: "Anyone involved in grassroots sport in the UK will know that it’s not always easy, so a donation like this is absolutely brilliant news for our members.”

“We plan to spend it on equipment which will go a long way to ensuring our clubs thrive in the future.

“I would urge any other clubs to apply to Cash 4 Clubs when the next round of funding becomes available in the Summer of 2018."

Naomi Totten, Spokesperson for Paddy Power Betfair said: “We’re delighted to continue our support for Cash4Clubs for the ninth year in a row. Sport is an integral part of building healthy and happy local communities and investing in grassroots facilities is incredibly important. Sport is the lifeblood of our company and we are proud to support it at all levels, not just professional and elite levels.

“We hope this year’s carefully selected clubs make the most of their Paddy Power Betfair grants and that they will help them on their way to achieving their goals.”

Cash 4 Clubs is a sports funding scheme which gives clubs a unique chance to apply for grants to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, gain coaching qualifications, and generally invest in the sustainability of their club.