Five community groups in West Cumbria are set to benefit from a cash boost from Wigton-based business CCL.

CCL, an expert in polymer banknote substrate, has awarded grants from its new charitable fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The gym at the Oval Centre in Workington, which is run by social enterprise Fit 4 Life, received £1,000 towards new equipment, while Wigton Youth Station received £1,273 to keep it open for the next year.

Other organisations to benefit include Wigton Baths Trust and 3rd Wigton Sea Scout Group, both receiving £1,000 each, and North Allerdale Development Trust, which received £2,000.

Fit 4 Life is a low-cost alternative to mainstream fitness centres supporting people with chronic health conditions.

Dougie Pomfret, manager at Fit 4 Life, said: “We have been able to purchase two new exercise bikes with the grant, which will make our clients experience with us even better than it was before.

“We have lots of sessions on offer including cardiac, stroke and pulmonary rehabilitation, over 50s sessions and sessions for general public.

"People with a range of health conditions such as high blood pressure, weight problems, diabetes, heart disease and more can join, and our team of specialist instructors are there to guide people back to fitness.”

Wigton Youth Station has been established for 21 years and provides a safe, social space for young people twice a week. Angela Bicknell, centre manager, said: “We’ve been very lucky to receive such support and I’m happy to say the foundation has been a long-term supporter of the work we do.

“On average, we have 25 to 30 young people through the doors on any one night, with over 70 members in total.

"Wigton Youth Station is well equipped and experienced in addressing and working alongside our young people, their families and their communities. 

“We work on prevention and early intervention to provide information and support, to change negative attitudes and their long-term prospects.”