FIRST Responders, Rainbows, Brownies and a cricket club are among the beneficiaries of sponsorship from a Cumbria-based housebuilder.

Story Homes is to support 10 charities and community groups in the latest round of its Future Story programme.

Previous good causes include the Young Enterprise Cumbria Awards, staged at Rheged, near Penrith.

The company accepts applications via its website all year round, with bids considered every three months. More than 60 charities and groups have been helped in the past year.

Latest recipients include a defibrillator for Appleby & District First Responders; Hospice at Home's yearly West Cumbria Colour Run, happening on July 8 at Muncaster Castle; the renovation of Cockermouth Cricket Club's clubhouse; and an arts programme for Thursby 1st Rainbows and Brownies;.

Ian Storey, managing director for Story Homes in Cumbria, said: "It is great to be able to help another 10 organisations this quarter, all of which are doing fantastic work for the community in a variety of fields."

To apply, visit www.storyhomes.co.uk