THE Burns Bairns under-fives group in Mauchline was delighted to receive £3,000 from the estate of a local woman.

A relative of Betty Speirs got in touch with the group to give them the news of the gift, which was gratefully accepted.

Chairwoman Margaret Wallace said: “As a charity, donations and particularly donations of this size make a significant difference to our work in providing ante- and pre-school provision, mother and toddler sessions and our Boogie Bairns music, movement and sensory group.

“We were delighted to be contacted by the late Mrs Spiers’ niece during the summer break with the news that we were to receive £3,000 from her estate.

“Such gestures are rare and are very welcome to local charities such as ours. The money will be used to provide outdoor facilities at our proposed relocation to the former Mauchline Library at the Cross.”