BLAIRHALL turned out in force on Saturday to decide how £25,000 could improve the village over the next five years.

Around 60 residents attended the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s family fun day to vote on how the cash should be spent.

It was held at the community centre with the trust providing a £25,000 budget to get key projects off the ground.

Blairhall Primary School Council's community tennis programme got lots of support as did the Children’s Amenity Fund, which is seeking an inflatable Santa’s Grotto, while the local Guides, Rainbows and the Baby and Toddler group are all seeking new equipment.

The community council is looking for help to install a defibrillator, as well as funds for new equipment, while Blairhall Management Committee need a new laptop.

The trust's Enid Trevett said: “We got a great turnout and lots of positive input which the steering committee will use to draw up a five-year Community Action Plan for Blairhall."

The family fun day was designed to encourage young and old to come along and have their say. It included a safe campfire demonstration from the Guides, dancers from the Lorraine Taggart Dance Troup, Spring bulb planting with Blether Together and delicious stovies on offer, followed by fruit kebabs smothered in chocolate.

Bob Young, Scottish trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Our Coalfields Community Futures programme really brings out the best in local communities, as happened at Blairhall at the weekend.

“I am sure local people’s positive input will result in a cracking five-year Community Action Plan for Blairhall."