H&H Group has announced its chosen charities for 2019.

The group, which is based at Borderway Mart in Carlisle, will support Mind and Cumbria Community Foundation.

During 2019, staff from the group’s seven operating companies across the north of England and Scottish Borders will take part in fundraising activities, including a dragon boat race, bake-off event and quiz night.

Richard Rankin, chief executive of H&H Group, said: “We specifically chose Mind and Cumbria Community Foundation as they each support the concerns faced by many people throughout Cumbria or working within our own companies.

"Here in H&H Group we place great importance on mental health issues, and in raising money for Mind we know that it will go directly to those individuals who need reliable advice and support, wherever they live or work.

"Cumbria Community Foundation supports hundreds of charitable projects each year in our local communities, and as one of Cumbria’s leading business, operating across the county, it is an obvious choice for us.

"I am looking forward to working with our teams as we raise money in aid of these two very good causes, and hopefully also enjoying some fun and challenging activities.”

Karen Bolton, head of community and events fundraising for Mind, said: “Every penny they raise through their efforts will fund Mind’s vital work including the Mind Infoline, our advice services and the campaigning Mind does to secure a better deal for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year.”

Cumbria Community Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to H&H Group for their continued generosity.

"We have been supported by H&H Group for many years – they were our very first corporate member in 2002.

“The money raised throughout the year will help us to continue to strengthen communities in Cumbria and improve the lives of our county’s most vulnerable.”

In 2018, H&H Group raised £8,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the British Heart Foundation.