A Cockermouth Cafe has turned 'heart-warming' community donations into 175 free meals that it is aiming to give away.

The Lanes Cafe & Bistro on Old Kings Arms Lane began accepting donations in the penultimate week of November in a bid to create free meal vouchers that could be exchanged for a hot meal and drink at the eatery. 

Cafe owner Claire Ascroft got the idea from social media and only days after launching the concept began to be flooded with community donations.

In the weeks that have followed, the number of donations has risen exponentially, with the Cockermouth cafe even receiving a donation from a patron in Kent. 

Speaking about the meal voucher's success, Claire encouraged more people who may be struggling to take advantage of the free meals.

News and Star: She said: "It's going really well - just need people to come in and take advantage of the meals!

"We have gone over 175 meals now and even got a cheque from Kent."

Claire also confirmed plans to deliver some of the free meals to the surrounding villages in the Cockermouth area as the cafe looks to help those who may be isolated over the festive period.

In addition, the cafe will be continuing the free meal voucher campaign over the Christmas period and into the new year.

News and Star: She said: "It's been really heart-warming seeing people bringing donations in especially at this time of year so well done to the community for the contributions.

"We will carry it on all over Christmas on days we are open and hopefully after Christmas when people feel the pinch even more."