A grant of £1,000 goes to the Law and District Amateur Athletics Club to set up an sporting facility in Biggar, while the Coulter Parent Council receives £500 to buy 'funky cones', electronic PE equipment which can be used both indoors and out.

Alison Campbell, local group leader for Law and District Amateur Athletics Club, said: "Thanks to this generous donation, we have been able to set up the first ever athletics group in Biggar. Before this, the nearest facility was 30 miles away.

"The grant has allowed us to buy everything we need to get started, including hurdles, start blocks, shot putts, discus and children's javelins, as well as help towards coaching and hall hire fees. This is great news for young people in Biggar and we are very grateful for this wonderful start."

The grants come from The Co-operative's Community Fund, part of the company's membership share of profits scheme which allows Co-operative members to donate all or part of their twice-yearly payouts to worthy causes.

The Fund offers grants of between £100 and £5,000, with awards based on a set of values and principles like social responsibility and caring for others. More than £180,000 is available annually to support charities and community groups in Scotland.

"The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to support these Biggar groups.

Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly like to hear from them," said The Scottish Co-operative's secretary Gerard Hill.