A new charitable trust has taken over responsibility for the operation of culture and leisure facilities and activities on behalf of the local authority in Falkirk, Scotland.

Falkirk Council has transferred services to Falkirk Community Trust to help cut spending, while allowing the new body to take advantage of non-domestic rates and VAT savings. Grangemouth Sports Complex, Grangemouth Stadium, the Mariner Centre and Bo'ness' Hippodrome Cinema are among the facilities to now be operated by the charitable trust.

Falkirk Council convener of leisure, tourism and community Adrian Mahoney said: "The council believes the new trust presents a great opportunity to build on the excellent work done in the past and to bring forward new ideas and initiatives."