THE restored Kendal Deaf Centre is to officially re-open this Saturday, almost two years after the River Kent swept in.

The Castle Street building was badly damaged during Storm Desmond, when flood water came up through the floor and weakened the foundations.

It has now been fully repaired and refurbished during a major £40,000 project, funded largely by the Rotary Club. The Lake District National Park Authority provided the charity's team a temporary home at its Murley Moss headquarters in Kendal.

Saturday's opening is to be performed by Cumbria county councillor Roger Bingham, chairman of trustees of Cumbria Deaf Association.

Kendal Deaf Centre offers help and support such as sign language classes, social workers, interpreters and a social club.