A PEEBLESSHIRE community cooking project has been served up almost £45,000 thanks to the Young Start Fund.

The cash (£44,806) will be used to run a two-year growing and cooking scheme for youngsters in Innerleithen and Walkerburn and is part of a £282,039 giveaway programme from the Big Lottery Fund.

Pupils will be taught how to grow their own food and there will also be cookery classes running in the towns.

The founding director of the project, Bosco Santimano, told the Peeblesshire News: "Our project, “You Can Grow”, will work with school pupils from Innerleithen and Walkerburn to inspire, motivate and build their confidence in a range of activities which are all centred around food.

"We will run cookery classes indoors in the school kitchen, community centre and village hall in the village. 

"The outdoor activities will be held in the edible garden on St.Ronan's Primary school grounds involving all aspects of growing from planting seeds to sowing and harvesting," he added.

"We will also be able to teach the children and their parents and carers how to grow their own food and cook healthy, seasonal meals."

Seven community projects across Scotland were given a share of the £282,039 by the Young Start fund, which awards money from dormant bank and building society accounts, so youngsters between eight and 24 can reach their full potential.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: "Young Start helps ensure that Scotland’s next generation has the best possible start in life.

"All of the seven successful projects share that ambition, so I am delighted to announce this latest investment totalling £282,039.

"In Edinburgh, Screen Education Edinburgh will work with young people across the city using film as a platform for creativity and possible career development; while in the Scottish Borders, You Can Cook Community Interest Company will run a range of indoor and outdoor activities to inspire local youngsters to grow and cook their own food," she added.

"Both projects will make a big difference by enabling children and young people to gain the abilities, skills and confidence required for positive and healthy futures."

For more information is available online at: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/scotland/young-start