WORTHY causes across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire have received an early Christmas present after banking more than £100,000 worth of Lottery cash.

Among those being supported by the latest round of grants from the Big Lottery Awards for All programme is St Vincent’s Hospice.

The Howwood-based charity has been awarded £10,000 to create a ‘shared use path’ that will improve pedestrian access.

Kate Lennon, chief executive officer of St Vincent’s Hospice, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding.

“At the moment, access to St Vincent’s Hospice is limited to the public road and, as we continue to grow, it is essential we make it as easy as possible for people to get here.

“The path, which is pencilled in to begin construction in early 2018, will run from Beith Road and Midton Road.

“Moving forward with our ambitious five-year strategy, this is just one of the ways we are working to increase access to our services.”

Also receiving a £10,000 grant is the Tannahill Centre, in Paisley, which will use the cash to develop a community café.

Paisley Opera receives £9,960 to fund various performances and workshops, while the Renfrewshire Access Panel gets £9,955 to buy three mountain trikes for disabled people.

A £10,000 award has been made to Generations Working Together, which will create some promotional films to challenge ageism and discrimination.

The Renfrewshire Family Support Service, which helps families affected by drug and alcohol use, receives £3,000 so that a therapist can introduce counselling sessions.

And the Return to Life SCIO project has been awarded £10,000 to fund its efforts to support people who have suffered renal failure.

Meanwhile, in Barrhead, the Include Me 2 Club gets £10,000 to develop its junior youth club, which provides arts, crafts and games to youngsters with additional support needs.

The funding will also help to pay for music and lighting equipment for its adult social club.

Paul McIlvenny, Include Me 2 Club chairman, said: “It’s great to receive this funding. We’ve been supported by the Lottery over the seven years we’ve been existence and it’s really helped us to grow.

“We also secured charity status this month, so there’s plenty to celebrate.”

Elsewhere, the Neilston War Memorial Association has been awarded £5,000 to buy new festive lights for the village.

Also in Neilston, there is a £10,000 award for St Thomas’ Primary for activities to encourage children to enjoy a healthier lifestyle outside of school.

The Hazeldene Family Centre, in Newton Mearns, receives a grant of £9,810 to transform its outdoor space with an adventure trail and shelter, for the benefit of 200 children.

And the Woodyett Park Residents Association, in Busby, has been awarded £9,000 to create a public walkway through local woodland.