A FLOOD-hit charity for deaf people has praised a generous gift of free shelter.

After Cumbria Deaf Association's premises were severely hit by December's floods, the Lake District National Park Authority offered the charity a small furnished office so that its work with profoundly deaf people could continue.

Project worker Greer Shepherd told the Gazette: "Not only were they able to offer us a little office but they furnished it with desks, chairs, filing cabinets, a printer, Wi-Fi connection and even a kettle. And all of this they have given us at no cost.

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"If ever there were a gesture of goodwill and community spirit the Lake District National Park have gone beyond all expectations. Gratitude does not even begin to cover it.

"We have a warm and cosy place from which to provide help and support to profoundly deaf people, who have also been affected by the floods. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to this organisation, I truly don’t know what we would have done without them."

The charity's offices at Castle Street, Kendal, were damaged in the wake of Storm Desmond.

Greer also praised the welcome given to staff who sought refuge at nearby St George's Church during the worst of the floods.

The charity's Carlisle base was badly affected too and needs costly repairs.