THE refurbishment of a Lake District hotel has allowed an Eden charity to take delivery of a range of furniture items to give to local people in need.

The development of Low Wood Bay, near Ambleside, into the Lake District’s first luxury resort hotel has resulted in more than 170 pieces of furniture being donated to CERT (UK), an emergency community response organisation based at Penrith.

It includes a wide range of items, from bedside units and dressing tables to wardrobes and shelf units, all of which will be used to furnish the homes and buildings of the charity’s beneficiaries.

CERT (UK) was originally set up to support local people who had been affected by flooding and winter storms. Its remit has been extended to anyone finding themselves in crisis and in need of furniture and small appliances to furnish their homes. The charity is also providing support to forces veterans and helping those fleeing domestic violence.

Sue Dust, client liaison officer for CERT (UK) said: "We’re very grateful to English Lakes Hotels for this donation. The furniture will be allocated from our storage building which Cumbria County Council has let us lease for free. We also have a wonderful arrangement with Northgate in Kendal for van hire, so we can pick up furniture from anywhere in Cumbria.”

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues will be bringing a range of new facilities to Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, including additional bedrooms, improved infrastructure and renewable energy features. The project is set to create 30 full time equivalent jobs, with a focus on sustainable tourism.