A hospice has been awarded thousands of pounds,

Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice, has been awarded a £5,000 share of a £1 million fund supporting under-18s as a part of a charity competition held by Persimmon's Homes.

The charity, which is based in Carlisle but supports children across Cumbria, was one of 96 organisations to reach the final stage of the Building Futures campaign.

Three finalists were each awarded the top prize of £100,000, three the second prize of £50,000 and three the third prize of £20,000.

The remaining finalists were handed £5,000 each.

With £128,000 already awarded in £1,000 regional grants through Building Futures, the total prize pot was £1.073million.

A spokesperson from Jigsaw, Frances Snowden, said: “The funding will allow us to deliver invaluable fun, friendship and therapeutic support to children and young people with life-limiting and progressive illnesses, and their families.”

Persimmon Homes regional managing director John Roocroft said: “The Building Futures scheme has been a great success and it is wonderful to celebrate the fantastic work of so many organisations supporting young people in our communities.

“We have been overwhelmed by both the response to the competition, and the hard work and dedication of those involved within all the groups.”

The first, second and third prize winners were decided by a public vote and around 200,000 votes were cast.

The £100,000 prize winner in the sport category was Wotton Community Sports Foundation, while Change of Scene secured the award for education and arts and The Children's Hospital Charity won for health.

The second prize of £50,000 went to Great Melton Cricket Club for sport, Warren Association Trust for education & arts and Senses Wellbeing Centre C.I.C for health.

In third place, Newcastle Powerchair Football Club scooped £20,000 for sport, with Islastones Foundation receiving the health award and Sandwell Young Carers winning for education & arts.

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation and Team GB athletes Dani Rowe and Karen Bennett, selected the finalists after more than 2,500 clubs, groups and organisations entered the Building Futures competition.

While Building Futures 2021 has concluded, Persimmon continues to give away up to £64,000 every month through its Community Champions scheme.

Applications for funding can be made at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.