The television fundraiser has awarded Community House in Alloa over £150,000

Children in Need has handed out its biggest ever grant to a Scottish charity.

The BBC fundraiser announced it is awarding Community House in Alloa £153,976 as it revealed 18 charities in Scotland are to receive a share of its latest £1.6 million funding pot.

Bosses at the charity, which aims to raise the self-esteem, confidence and aspirations of people living in the area through a range of activities aimed at people of all ages, say the award will help keep its projects running "for years to come".

The group, which has already benefitted from more than £235,000 in funding, will use this latest three-year grant to deliver weekly after-school clubs for primary school children, an evening club twice weekly for secondary school youngsters and summer activities for all under 18s.

The money will pay for staff, toys, outdoor equipment, arts and crafts materials, nutritious meals for participants and trips; all of which contributes to a fun and safe space for children and young people living in an area affected by deprivation

Elaine McDonagh, the charity’s project manager, said: “Thanks to the long-term support of BBC Children in Need, we have been able to give children and young people in the local area a place to truly enjoy their childhood.

“Having the space to play, relax, meet new people or forget about their worries for a while is vital to young people’s general wellbeing. As such we’re delighted to receive this new grant which will allow us to keep the project running for years to come, helping improve even more young lives.”

Children in Need awards grants at seven points during the year, with more funding to be pledged to projects working with disadvantaged children and young people throughout 2016.

The latest round of funding announcements means Children in need now funds over 260 projects in Scotland working with children and young people facing disadvantage, with over £14m invested to benefit young lives across the country.

Mary Duffy, national head of Scotland for BBC Children in Need, said: “We are delighted to fund projects like these for their work to support disadvantaged children across Scotland.

“Of course, none of our grants would be possible without the continued support of our fundraisers and everyone who donates to the charity each year. Thanks to your generosity, children and young people in Scotland will have a brighter future!”

Other charities included in the latest round of funding included Paws for Progress CIC which was awarded £83,700, Edinburgh Young Carers Project which was awarded £84,789 and Quarriers which secured £104,256.

The next deadline for the small grants programme is 1 September and the deadline for the main grants programme is 15 September.