YOUNG people on Bute are giving up part of their summer holidays to help their local communities.

Nearly 120 11 to 18-year-olds are signed up to Argyll and Bute Council’s summer programme, taking place this month.

As part of the programme, run by the Council’s Youth Services team, they are organising projects that benefit Bute residents.

One that has gone down a treat already is a ‘Tea and Bingo’ afternoon in Rothesay for senior citizens.

This included a group of the young people organising a fun bingo afternoon, served up with a cuppa and cake.

Ten local residents enjoyed the event, organised with Bute Befrienders and the island’s Memory Group.

They have also been carrying out some voluntary work for Bute charity Calum’s Cabin, which offers holiday homes on the island for children suffering from cancer and their families. This involved packing Christmas cards and envelopes into cellophane bags, and making up wish bracelets and keyrings to be sold in the Calum’s Cabin shop.

At Rothesay Library they are exploring the history of Bute and its people through the archives of the local paper, The Buteman. It’s part of a community project called YARN which is run by the University of Leeds and supported by the Council’s Local Studies department and sees community stories collected online.

The summer projects follow other work the young people have done to support their community. These include a beach clean with Beachwatch Bute, seed planting with the Kilchattan Bay community committee, painting fences and clearing paths with Bute in Bloom and a garden clean-up with Apple Tree Nursery.

Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “Well done to everyone taking part in the summer programme and for using some of that time for the benefit of others. Everyone at the Tea and Bingo afternoon looks like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves and I’m sure those who were treated to such a fun afternoon appreciate their efforts. It’s great that young people are prepared to think of their fellow residents during their summer holiday – what a great asset to the local community they are.”

Executive Director of Community Services, Ann Marie Knowles, said: “It’s fantastic to hear of our young people’s efforts on behalf of their community. I’m delighted everyone has embraced supporting other people, whether it’s helping a good cause or reaching out to other sections of their community. They really are a credit to Bute.”

When they’re not helping the community, the group has a number of activities planned including taster sessions with 45RPM, Rothesay’s music and multimedia project and a trip to a trampoline centre.

They will also pay a visit to Glasgow Science Centre and go to a golfing and climbing centre.