A TOWN council has put its money where its mouth is by supporting the local economy.

Kendal Town Council has replaced the floor covering in the mayor's parlour at the town hall with Herdwick carpet supplied by Goodacre of Kendal.

It is part of a refurbishment project to spruce up the parlour, which is also getting new curtains.

Councillors opted for Goodacre carpet as a show of support for both the Kendal firm's Herdwick range of wool carpets and local sheep farmers.

Mayor of Kendal, Marilyn Molloy, explained: "The town council felt strongly about supporting local firms and local farmers in the parlour refurbishment. Goodacre's new Herdwick collection met all the criteria and it also supports the local Herdwick farmers."

The decision was welcomed by Lucien Procter, chairman of Goodacre Carpets of Kendal, who said: "We're delighted and proud to see our Herdwick carpet taking centre stage in the mayor's parlour. The new carpet really complements the traditional decor of the room."

Launched last year, Goodacre's Naturally Herdwick range of carpets has been in big demand both at home and abroad.

It is not only proving a moneyspinner for Goodacre, but also benefits local sheep farmers who just five years ago were burning their Herdwick fleeces because of poor returns.

The company saw the potential in the hardy, heavyweight wool and gave its backing to a National Trust initiative to support the Herdwick breed and its wool products.

Now the National Trust specifies Naturally Herdwick carpets in many of its properties, and the initiative has attracted interest as far afield as the US and Japan.