Through the scheme, Persimmon’s local businesses previously provided grants of £1,000 to a range of worthy causes throughout the year. The company has announced that it will now be providing grants of up to £6,000 to community groups and charities every three months, at least £24,000 per year.

Organisations from Kilwinning to Kinross have previously benefitted from the Community Champions scheme in Scotland – including Dulloch Primary School in Dunfermline, Clark Drive Girls Football Club in Irvine [photograph attached] and LGBT Youth Scotland.

John Roocroft, Persimmon’s regional managing director for Scotland, said: “Persimmon is committed to leaving a positive, lasting legacy in the communities in which we work and we’re incredibly proud to have helped hundreds of charities, local community groups and sports clubs across Scotland.

“As well as building good quality homes and creating well-paid, high-skilled jobs, we know that our Community Champions scheme helps those organisations that are the lifeblood of our communities. We want to ensure the valuable work these groups do can continue, which is why we are increasing the amount of money available through the scheme from £1,000 to £6,000.

“I strongly encourage any local charity or community group in need of support to apply to Community Champions to see if we can help.”

Persimmon has confirmed that the new £6,000 donation is immediately available but that organisations will still be able to apply for smaller donations in accordance with their needs.