A suicide prevention strategy has been launched with the help of Kris Boyd and club legend Ray Montgomerie.

The Kilmarnock forward joined the Choose Life initiative after his brother Scott, 27, took his own life during 2016.

East Ayrshire Council said the scheme would provide advice and training to help prevent suicides in the area.

The launch was held during Mental Health Awareness Week which this year is focusing on stress.

Recent research has shown that two thirds of people experience a mental health problem in their lifetimes, with stress a key factor.

The council said it will provide online and printed advice to its employees as well as delivering training on suicide awareness and mental health first aid.

Provost Jim Todd said: "The prevention of suicide is a local and national priority in Scotland.

"As a Council, we are looking at how we can tackle stress and help improve our mental health by tying in with the NHS Choose Life strategy.

"We hope that by providing more training and information, we can go a long way to tackling mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, which can in some instances lead to self-harm and suicide.

"We're delighted that Kris and Ray came to support the launch as we really want to raise awareness of the issue of suicide prevention, as sadly it's an issue that affects far too many families in Scotland today."