Two Cumbrian businesses have donated £250 each to Carlisle Youth Zone in lieu of sending Christmas cards to their clients.

Law firm Baines Wilson and accountancy firm Dodd & Co send festive greetings via email to clients and contacts.

They decided instead of saving some of the cash they would have spent on buying and sending traditional cards through the post, they would donate it to Carlisle Youth Zone.

Sean Logue, of Baines Wilson, said: “We are really pleased to be helping Carlisle Youth Zone in this way and sincerely hope that other north Cumbrian businesses might consider doing so.

"We know the money is needed and will be well spent.”

Alison Johnston, of Dodd & Co, added: “Helping Carlisle Youth Zone, especially at this time of year is something we are very pleased to be able do.

"Each year we ask staff for their suggestions of charities that we can support with the money that was previously used on postal cards.

"It seems a much better use of the money and helps to make a genuine difference.”

Lynsey Buckle, of Carlisle Youth Zone, said: “It’s a great gesture by both businesses and we will certainly put the money to great use.

"Over 1,500 children use Carlisle Youth Zone facilities every week and over a quarter come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"While Carlisle Youth Zone is developing a wider financial support basis amongst the local business community through its patrons scheme, of which Baines Wilson and Dodd & Co are both part of, this additional revenue stream is incredibly helpful.”

Businesses who would like to follow in Baines Wilson and Dodd & Co's footsteps and donate money to the charity instead of sending Christmas cards, they can email Lynsey at Lynsey.buckle@carlisleyouthzone.org