COMMUNITY projects will share in a £12m fund to provide training and job opportunities.

The People and Communities Fund is being allocated to 197 groups across Scotland.

Alex Neil Equalities Minister announced the cash in Glasgow where many groups are expected to benefit.

The cash is being spread out across almost 200 organisations working on projects including money advice, healthy eating clubs and grow your own gardens.

Mr Neil visited Urban Roots in Glasgow, which will receive £72,000 to set up four community garden hubs.

He said: "Every community in Scotland has different challenges and aspirations and there is no one-size fits all approach to tackling poverty.

"That's why our People and Communities Fund is giving communities the power and confidence to shape their own futures and address inequalities more effectively.

"The Fund allows community groups the chance to identify problems in their area and the funding to provide solutions."

More than 50 groups including housing associations, community trusts and sports groups in the city are receiving cash.

It includes Wheatley Group for its Tackling Poverty training and skills project.

Govanhill Housing Association received funding for four projects to improve employment prospects of local people.

Between 2012 and 2015, 156 projects received funding worth £18.3 million from the People and Communities Fund. Further information on the People and Communities Fund:

Urban Roots was one and has been successful again securing funds.

Urban Roots received £170,000 from the People and Communities Fund between 2012-15 to develop community gardens, growing spaces, local clean-ups, biodiversity improvements, recycling and cycling projects. These initiatives have helped build skills locally.

Les Rice from Urban Roots said: "The People and Communities Fund has enabled Urban Roots to set up community gardens in numerous locations across the Southside of Glasgow, empowering local communities by improving their physical health and mental wellbeing, reducing food poverty and increasing employability prospects through training and skills sharing.

"The People and Communities Fund allocation for 2015/16 will allow these communities to build on the previous three years' hard work by expanding the services offered at four key locations in Priesthill, Castlemilk, Toryglen and East Pollokshields."