A Scottish council will begin offering free sanitary products in all of its public buildings, it has been announced.

North Ayrshire Council believes it is the first local authority in Britain to roll out the policy, which would see free tampons and towels provided in all of its libraries, community centres, public offices and any other council-owned public buildings.

Sanitary products are to be offered via vending machines in toilets in up to 100 buildings across the council area.

North Ayrshire was previously the first local authority in Scotland to institute a period poverty programme in secondary schools, introducing free sanitary wear for pupils.

It comes as a raft of campaigns on period poverty have raised awareness of issues around accessibility, affordability and VAT on sanitary products.

In March it was revealed a bill to end period poverty proposed by Labour MSP Monica Lennon had been backed by 96% of respondents to a public consultation.

Her bill would create a duty on ministers to introduce a universal system of free provision of sanitary products.

Schools, colleges and universities would also be required to provide free items for women and girls in their toilets under the proposed legislation.

A study published by girls' rights charity Plan International UK earlier this year found that 45% of those living in Scotland said they have been forced to use makeshift sanitary wear including socks or newspapers because they have struggled to buy products.

North Ayrshire Council leader Joe Cullinane will be joined by Lennon during a visit to Kilwinning Library to launch the new initiative.

The library is to be the first North Ayrshire facility to have the free sanitary wear machines installed.

In advance of the event, Cullinane said: "Sanitary products are a necessity, not a choice.

"I wish for no women or girl here in North Ayrshire to find themselves in the embarrassing and often degrading situation of having to use improper sanitary protection simply because they cannot afford it.

"After all, periods are not exempt from poverty - they don't take account of what is in your pocket or purse. Therefore, it is absolutely right that we should look at ways in which to tackle this gendered inequality.

"This latest announcement in our period poverty programme aims to help address the issue and make period poverty history in North Ayrshire."

Lennon said "Councillor Cullinane and North Ayrshire Council are leading the way on ending period poverty.

"Access to sanitary products should be a right, regardless of your income, which is why I am moving ahead with plans for legislation to introduce a universal system of free access to sanitary products for everyone in Scotland.

"I'm delighted that North Ayrshire will extend free sanitary product provision to all of its public buildings and I hope other organisations will follow their lead.

"No one should face the indignity of being unable to access these essential products to manage their period."

Meanwhile, both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley train stations and Glasgow Airport agreed to begin providing free sanitary products to female passengers last year.

Celtic FC and the Scottish Parliament also announced in May they would begin providing free sanitary products for women.