A CHARITY set up to help those affected by Cumbria's devastating 2015 floods has announced it is to close due to a lack of funds.

The Community Emergency Response Team UK, based in Penrith, helped those hit by Storm Desmond to pack up their homes and provided furniture, bedding, clothes and food.

Client liaison officer Sue Dust said in a letter posted on the cahrity's Facebook page: "I am devastated that we now find ourselves at a point where we must admit defeat and face the staunch realisation that we are no longer able to continue to operate. Sadly we have had to face the fact that we simply cannot continue without funds and run into deficit."

"We have fought a hard battle to attempt to raise funds so badly needed but have found a reluctance to assist us as a charity in our hour of need. So, our doors will close to the public on April 28 2017."

The closure has resulted in two full-time and three part-time staff losing their jobs.