AN AWARD-WINNING Irvine business has provided a much needed boost to a locally based charity.

Ardagh Glass Packaging donated £3,000 to the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre which works in partnership with Fullarton Connexions in Irvine.

The CAP Irvine team were delighted with this recent donation and Ron Graham, one of their volunteers, visited Ardagh last week to thank them for their contribution.

Irvine man Ron told the Times: "I felt hopeless with nowhere to turn when I called the CAP freephone number 0800 328 0006 to arrange a meeting with the CAP Irvine team.

"I am only here today as a result of the clarity and hope that they gave to me, and I want to help others in the same way.

"This work is made possible as a result of the financial support provided to us by local people and businesses such as Ardagh. 

"This donation is so welcome as it allows us to help even more people locally, to show them hope when things can seem hopeless. Thanks so much to Ardagh."

Lesley Robinson, national account manager at Ardagh, commented:  "When we became aware of the excellent work that CAP Irvine were doing, we were delighted to offer our support.

"Ardagh is proud of our Irvine heritage and are pleased to know that our donation will make a real difference to people in the community where we are based.”

Ardagh's facility employs around 222 people and produces some 310 million spirit bottles, from 20cl miniatures up to 2 litres, in clear and green glass.

The company was named 'supplier of the year' in the Suppier Awards held by drinks giant Diageo.

CAP is a national organisation specialising in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty, including those in need of bankruptcy or insolvency.