AN ICE-cream parlour opened its venue to allow music groups to practice during Covid restrictions - and raised money for a special charity.

Cumbria Cow Ice Cream welcomed local music groups to practice as a group when they were not allowed to meet inside.

Denise Stable, owner of the family-run business located on the outskirts of Ulverston, said it was lovely to hear music blasting for a couple of hours three nights a week.

She said: “The previous year we did the same thing but for exercise groups and let them use the outside building for free.

“This year Ulverston Town band asked us initially. A lot of people in the band are involved with other groups and it spread and so more musical groups got involved.

“The reason they were able to come and use the Cow Shed is because it is relatively open and so sat well within the guidelines. It is too cold now and thankfully restrictions have been lifted and they can use their usual venues.”

Denise, who lives onsite with her husband Mike, decided to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice instead of charging the groups rent for their sessions.

She said: “We normally try and raise money each year for charity but I thought it would be quite nice to give back to St Mary's Hospice.

“We just said when people asked if there is rent ‘you’re welcome to give us a donation each week’.

“We didn’t set a price people gave what they wanted each week.

“Towards the end of the Maize Maze season there were a few youth groups that used it and they said ‘can we pay’ and my daughter in law Anna said the same as that we’re collecting for the hospice.

“I just thought they would be paying rent in their normal building so it may be nice to try and raise money for St Mary’s Hospice.

“I think it’s a wonderful place for the community and we should all try and help them as much as we can.”

The groups kindly donated and raised £750, which was upped to £1,000 by Denise and her family.