Charity groups who support young people and pensioners across South Cumbria are amongst those benefiting from the generosity of shoppers at Lakeland.

The Windermere-based kitchenware retailer, which has 58 shops and mail order customers all over the country, launched myLakeland in 2019.

Club members get exclusive savings and offers and each time they shop, a few pence go to charity.

Some is donated to national organisations such as Shelter, the Trussell Trust and Woodland Trust but local charities have benefitted too through the myLakeland Community Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Steve Knights, chief executive of Lakeland, said: “We're proud of doing our bit to support local and national causes.

"As a business, we regularly make contributions of both money and Lakeland products to organisations across the country, we also have our carrier bag fund which we donate the money generated from our 10p carrier bag charge to an environmental cause each year."

A total of 16 groups in south Cumbria have benefited from a share of £150,000 since the community fund was established in 2022.

The Westmorland Gazette: The summer fete held by KEY in StorthThe summer fete held by KEY in Storth (Image: Kent Estuary Youth)

They include the Kent Estuary Youth Project (KEY), which is receiving £30,000 over three years to cover running costs.

Trustee Hilary Fordham said: “The funding helps pay for our two full-time youth workers and a part-time admin assistant, and towards venues and equipment.”

KEY provides youth clubs, holiday activities and summer residentials for youngsters aged 11-19 in three villages: Milnthorpe, Arnside and Storth, and engaged with 200 young people last year.

Hilary added: “We’re a small charity - without this funding we’d have to make difficult decisions about letting somebody go.

"Funders that support core running costs are few and far between, so we’re very grateful.”

South Lakeland Action on Climate Change has received £20,000 for its Waste into Wellbeing project, which takes food from supermarkets, shops and eateries that would otherwise be wasted to turn into nourishing meals.

The Westmorland Gazette: Angela White, the 'Running Granny', was the mind behind Going For OldAngela White, the 'Running Granny', was the mind behind Going For Old (Image: James Kirby)

Going for Old has received £3,671 from the fund to deliver health and wellbeing workshops for the over-50s.

In 2024, Lakeland is celebrating its 60th year and. to celebrate this milestone, they are going to be making an additional donation to Cumbria Community Foundation.