A Carlisle-based organisation has said that it is 'over the moon' after it won The Lanes' £1,000 Community Fund. 

Heathlands is a charitable organisation located on the outskirts of Carlisle that is run by the Laurie Brewis Trust and operates a day service for adults with learning and physical disabilities, acquired brain injury and autism.

Its mission is to be inclusive and enhance the lives of vulnerable individuals in the local community in a variety of ways to increase independence, confidence, and general well-being.

(Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ) Following a public vote conducted by The Lanes Shopping Centre, Heathlands was named the winner of the £1,000 competition that was launched in April.

After being presented with the £1,000 cheque, Toni Sullivan from Heathlands was on hand to express her delight and explain what the money would be used for.

She said: "We are over the moon. It was an intense process and it the voting was so close but it will make a massive difference to everybody at Heathlands.

"When I put the initial bid I thought if we don't get the funding it will be a great opportunity to get our names out there and advertise the services that we offer.

(Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ) "We have got the Heathlands Day Centre, Heathlands at Home, and the Better Together stuff we do.

"The money will be put towards putting some new markings on our playground, so hopscotch, snakes and ladders, and getting foot golf in that area to make it more vibrant and encourage the members to get outside and play in that area."

(Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ) After winning The Lanes Community Fund, Heathlands invited the shopping centre's management team to see its services first-hand, with centre manager Susan Young expressing her delight at being able to see the organisation's services in person.

She said: "We have really enjoyed the tour and seeing how the money is going to be spent, but also to see the services that are offered by Heathlands.

(Image: Matthew O'Hara/NQ) "The community fund also gave organisations like Heathlands the chance to be showcased so that people can see what services are available in the local area that they can tap into and to see that in action in person, I think it is just wonderful."