A DAY of Hope to bring comfort on the first anniversary of Storm Desmond is to take place at Sandylands Methodist Church, Kendal.

Volunteers from the church played a key role in helping flood-hit householders on the Sandylands estate last December, and the Encouragement Cabin outside the church offered a beacon of hope to people struggling after being forced to evacuate their homes.

Rev Jonny Gios, community worker, said the church would be a focal point on the anniversary on Monday, December 5, from 2pm to 10pm.

On hand to help flood victims still dealing with the aftermath will be experts from mental health charity South Lakeland Mind, and drug and alcohol support service Cadas, as well as flood support workers and the British Red Cross.

People will be invited to remember last year's events by lighting a glow stick, looking at images, giving and receiving hope, and releasing anxiety, said Mr Gios.

"It's to reflect and just help people come to terms with what has gone on," he told the Gazette. "It doesn't seem like a year ago; it's come round so quickly."

Volunteers from Sandylands Methodist Church clocked up 13,000 hours of helping the community in the aftermath of Storm Desmond, added Mr Gios - worth the equivalent of £465,000 to local authorities.