A WASTE product once fed to pigs in Grasmere has raised £5,000 for vital conservation work in the Lake District.

Some of the proceeds raised from the sale of Grasmere Gingerbread crumbs have helped repair crumbling footpaths in the national park.

“We started donating £1 from every bag of crumbs sold to the charity Nurture Lakeland a few years ago,” said Joanne Hunter, co-owner of the 165-year-old business. At the time we specified it went to towards footpath restoration as it was a serious issue at the time – particularly on popular walking routes.

“I did a lot of hill walking then and I could see the damage that we were all causing.

“That we have now passed the £5,000 mark in money raised by crumbs sales is incredible.”

Pictured, right, is Harrison Ward, mail order manager at Grasmere Gingerbread