Four Cockermouth people who run a range of companies have pooled their talents and set up a business centre for homeworkers.

The Vicky Business Centre, which is based in 220-year-old Victoria Hall, on High Sand Lane, launches this evening.

Behind its creation is Penny Watson, Sarah Hopkins, Dave and Gill Bealt, who have leased the building from the town council.

Dave said: "It's for homeworkers, start-ups and small businesses and was born out of the frustration of there being no affordable office space for people like us.

"I have been wandering around Cockermouth working out of coffee shops, a relative's home, a cold conservatory.

"There's a real need for flexible office spaces, somewhere that small businesses can use without having to commit to a long lease.

"People living in rural areas and trying to work from home can also have problems with broadband."

People can book some space for as little as one day. They will have access to fast broadband, printing, storage, coffee and tea.

Charlotte Davies hosts the Cockermouth co-working initiative Jelly.

"There are a growing number of solo business owners in the Cockermouth area, many of whom are looking for a hot-desking space, a facility which the town has not had, unlike Kendal and Windermere," said Charlotte.

"There's a real need for something like this."

Dave, who sells IT and office products online, said: "It can be quite testing working on your own, you can feel isolated. So the collaborative element of this is good."

Gill runs a student rentals business, Sarah works in training and Penny is a photographer and marketing consultant.

They will all be working out of The Vicky. "We want people to love it as much as we do. We are thrilled with what we have produced," said Dave.

The Vicky will be open today, from 7pm to 9pm, for people to look round.