LOCAL community groups are set for a £45,000 windfall thanks to a charity partnership.

Celtic FC Foundation, elderly charity the Ireland Fund of Great Britain and North Lanarkshire Leisure have joined forces to fund a programme for older people over three years.

Reshaping Care for Older People is a national strategy to give the elderly within communities the chance to improve their health and wellbeing.

In North Lanarkshire, the project aims to tackle poor health, diet and lack of exercise.

It offers weekly activities including walking football, thai chi and armchair aerobics.

Tony Hamilton, chief executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: "We are very excited about this new partnership between the Celtic Foundation, the Ireland Fund and North Lanarkshire and it is one which will allow us to make a real contribution to a range of community projects.

"We engage with many Scottish, UK and global organisations and we are pleased to connect with the Ireland Fund on this particular project and make a positive difference to the lives of local people."