A local social enterprise that up-cycles discarded wood has received a £20,000 funding boost.
Wood RecyclAbility provides practical work experience and training for people with additional support needs.
They make a range of products from waste wood such as bird tables, planters and garden benches which they then sell on.
The Ellon-based organisation has now been handed £20,000 from CNOOC International to purchase new equipment to recycle rigid plastic and mattresses.
Brian Reid, operations manager at Wood RecyclAbility, said:“This is a fantastic start to our fundraising efforts to enable us to recycle more rigid plastics and embark on mattress recycling.
“As a social enterprise we really appreciate the generosity given to us both in terms of time and funding from CNOOC International.”
They group is aiming to raise £150,000 to support their plans to expand and offer more opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin welcomed the fresh funding and has called for more businesses to back the enterprise.
“I am so excited by the work Wood RecyclAbility are doing locally and welcome the opportunity to see them grow as they look to help more people with additional support needs in our communities and recycle more locally,” she said.
Since opening in 1997, the organisation has prevented 30,000 tons of waste wood from going to landfill.
The funding comes after a £1,000 grant from BP in November and secured a contract with NHS Grampian to create 150 lockable boxes from recycled wood.
Ms Martin added: “I want to appeal to businesses and individuals to add their support.
“Whether you can donate money or offer your time as a volunteer, Wood RecyclAbility would love to hear from you.”