AN AYRSHIRE business is running an art competition to keep schoolchildren entertained throughout the coronavirus lockdown.

Each week, Ayrshire Letting and Sales, are offering schoolchildren across the region the chance to win up to £50 in Amazon e-vouchers by taking part in a themed art competition.

To enter, children just need to send their creative work to the team by sending a message to the business via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram where they will find the week’s chosen theme or by emailing info@ayrshireletting.co.uk.

Alternatively, if they are too young to use social media then their parents can send on behalf of them.

Kathleen McCallum, director of Ayrshire Letting and Sales, said: “The idea came from the fact that art can be quite therapeutic and there was plenty of parents who were home-schooling so we thought we would get behind the community and offer an incentive that would help to pass the time for the kids and give parents a chance to get on with working from home.

“We have really enjoyed seeing the work coming through because some of the artwork we have received has been fabulous so thanks to the kids that have entered so far.”

The business is also playing their part in helping NHS workers on the frontline by offering them accommodation.

Ms McCallum said: “We have volunteered our holiday rentals to the NHS so we currently have some staff from Crosshouse Hospital living in some of our holiday lets because they drive from outside of the area to get to their work. It is nice as a business to give something back especially at a time when people need to pull together.”

As well as supporting NHS workers, Ayrshire Letting and Sales, which is based in West Kilbride, is also helping out the local community.

Ms McCallum said: “West Kilbride has a coronavirus support group and because our building is closed at the moment we have allowed the group to use one of our offices and also our van which is being used to deliver essential prescriptions and shopping to people who are being shielded in our community.

“With our holiday rentals being shut down, we had things like hand sanitiser and toilet roll available and just said to the group take what you need.”

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