A community shop and cafe is appealing for more volunteers.

Hallbankgate Hub in Brampton needs people to volunteer at the cafe which is due to reopen.

Maureen Lawrie works there as Community Engagement Officer, and said: “We started in 2014 after the Co-op was closing, so we went about getting funding to support a hub.

“We are a community shop and cafe, but we are more than just a shop, we have an art exhibition in our gallery space next week; there’s also a library link and post office service once a week.

“A lot of the volunteers have been shielding and the cafe hasn’t been running so far.

“What we really want to do is get more volunteers to run the cafe.

“We need to be careful, however, with the whole Covid situation."

She added: “We are aiming to recruit people of all ages; it’s a great thing to put on your CV, and there will be training.

“We want to give people the opportunity to give back to their community.

“It is a lovely place and there is a lovely atmosphere, people are welcoming and it is a lot of fun.

“It gives people the opportunity to get out of their house as well after spending so much time inside.

“We have other events going on, these were regular before Covid, and a lot of friendships have been formed from it.

“It’s more than just a shop.”

The Hub was visited by the then High Sheriff of Cumbria, Julie Barton.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email volunteer@hallbankgatehub.org, or visit their website.