A CONISTON businessman is giving a ‘helping land’ to Cumbrian causes.

Phil Johnston, owner of The Coppermines and Lakes Cottages, is inviting charities and groups to use one of his fields as a fundraising car park.

In the village centre, next to the Ruskin Museum, the land can be used for a limited number of days to top-up the funds of those who need it most.

The Coniston Christmas Lights Committee was the first to benefit from the generosity, as it raised £350 on Bank Holiday Saturday.

Member Heather Troughton said: “It will make a massive difference to us because it will cost about £3,000 to put on the lights this year, so this was an easy way to make a great amount of money.

“All we had to do was arrange for two people in the morning and two in the afternoon to be at the site to take money and direct the cars, and visitors seemed happy to be helping a local cause.” Any charity or cause can apply to use the field – contact Mr Johnston at The Coppermines on 01539 441765.