A YOUTH charity in the Wee County is celebrating after being awarded two different grants to drive forward its ongoing work.

Connect Alloa was this month successful with two funding bids, first receiving a confirmation from the Coalfields Adapt and Thrive Fund.

Funding will allow Connect Alloa to recruit two part-time staff for six months, starting in the new year.

Furthermore, St James's Place Charitable Foundation has also awarded £2,500 to Connect Alloa, which will help provide dedicated office space at Alloa Business Centre.

The cash boost will also help provide weekend activities, which have been in the pipelines, as well as refreshments for the young people on the day.

Dave Crozier, founder of Connect Alloa, told the Advertiser: "I was buzzing [when confirmation arrived], we are going to have two new employees potentially in the new year now.

"That's going to help me, that's going to help the young people – we can get them involved in the recruitment."

As he was processing the confirmation, Dave immediately thought more office space is required as current restrictions mean that Connect Alloa's usual base at St Mungo's Parish Church in Alloa is unavailable.

And just as he started brainstorming, a different email arrived from St James's to confirm the £2,500 will be awarded.

Dave mused: "It felt like too many good things were happening."

He added: "Good things come to good people and the whole of the Connect Alloa team and the people are awesome.

"I don't think I had words at first, I just stared at the screen.

"I think it's testament to what we are trying to do.

"That's us not even two years as a charity now and by the time we are two years in we will have had three part-time employees, we'll have our own office space and hopefully, if things are starting to improve [in the coronavirus pandemic] we'll be working three nights a week."

He also said securing the grants was down to great work by the whole team, including the young people who attend sessions and volunteer.

The part-time staff to be recruited will include a sessional youth worker to support Dave during activities with young people, relieving some pressure off volunteers and to further develop the ongoing work.

A digital engagement worker will also soon be sought to drive forward the website and the charity's social media.

Connect Alloa will be paying the real living wage and an interview will be guaranteed for the good cause's young volunteers if they apply.

Those interested in the roles are advised to keep an eye on Connect Alloa's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.