The Lakes to Sea Community Panel has invested £15,382 in various community projects.

The panel, comprising ward councillors, provides funding for community organisations.

At the latest meeting, funds were approved for a variety of initiatives.

Crosscanonby Community Centre has received £400 to renew exterior security lighting, the 1st Cockermouth Scouts Group has been granted £2,800 for new climbing equipment and tents, and Broughton Parish Council has been allocated £5,000 to upgrade children's playground equipment.

Parkrun Cockermouth will benefit from £4,800 to acquire equipment for a new junior parkrun, while Crosscanonby Parish Council received £2,382 to replace the safety netting at the village play park.

Cllr Andrew Semple, the chair of The Lakes to Sea Community Panel, said: "It’s inspiring to see the depth of community involvement in our panel area.

"And it’s gratifying to be able to invest in these active communities, and help bring their work and ideas to fruition.

"I hope each of these investments helps toward keeping the Lakes to Sea area a great place to live."

Lisa Brown, Cumberland's executive member for adults and community health, said: "These investments, and the community members who enable them, are the lifeblood of our towns and villages.

"Each of these projects will make a real difference, and I am proud the council is able to invest in them through Community Panels."

Cumberland Council has eight such community panels which cover the entire council area.

Those wishing to apply for investment from the Lakes to Sea Community Panel may visit the council’s website for more information.

The deadline for the next round of investments from the Lakes to Sea Community Panel is August 7.

Community group representatives are encouraged to seek advice from the community development officer for their area before making a formal application.