ULVERSTON's St Mary's hospice will use a £20,000 grant to fund a new project aimed at giving bereaved people a chance to get out of the house - and mend furniture.

The hospice was awarded the cash by the Masonic Charitable Foundation and will use it to fund its innovative 'Make Do and Mend' scheme their furniture outlet in Barrow.

Jo Blake, head of clinical services responsible for submitting the bid for funds, said: "Often we get donated items which may need a bit of work doing on them. The money will be spent in developing a workshop in the warehouse where this can be done by bereaved family members. It will give bereaved people an opportunity to get out of the house and talk with others who know what they are experiencing whilst at the same time engaging in something constructive."

Qualified counsellors will also be on hand.

David Grainger, a senior figure among Furness and South Lakeland freemasons, made the announcement along with fellow masons Peter Schofield and Richard Wilcock at the Duke St premises.

David said: "As masons we do not collect in the street or fill bags in supermarkets to raise funds. It comes from the pockets of our members who I am sure will be delighted to see their charitable donations used in this manner.”

Hospice head of retail Caroline Welch added: “We are grateful to the masons for putting up the funding to help make the project viable.”