A GROUNDBREAKING Windermere-based charitable trust has taken a major step towards financial independence thanks to the generosity of local authorities and businesses.

In the coming year, the South Lakes Development Trust (SLDT) will be given £100,000 in funding to help it with its vital work within the community.

SLDT was set up in the wake of the foot and mouth outbreak to support the economic and social vitality of Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere through its Lakes Market Town Initiative.

Thanks to this new funding, which will be provided by Lakeland Ltd, South Lakeland District Council, E.H. Booth & Co., Windermere Town Council, Lakes Parish Council, Cumbria County Council, Lankelly Foundation and the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the trust is now positioned to achieve the financial stability needed to undertake more community based projects.

Bill Smith, chief executive of SLDT, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the quality and value of the work this social enterprise has undertaken to date has been recognised. Whilst we generate a considerable portion of required revenue from our trading activities, the additional funding provided by our supporters has been essential to safeguard our future."

In recent months SLDT has taken a lead role in vital community consultation over the Windermere Enhancement Project and has received impressive across-the-board support for its Ambleside and Waterhead Masterplan, as well as providing business support for fledgling local entrepreneurs, advice to beleaguered post offices and delivering parking needs studies to help with the development of parking initiatives in the area.

Sam Rayner, managing director of Lakeland Ltd, said: "SLDT play a pivotal role in ensuring that our community is better equipped for the future."

Mr Smith added: "We know it's very beneficial for a community to take the initiative to get things done -we offer an innovative link between local government and the community that delivers results that may not otherwise be achieved."

For more information visit www.sldt.co.uk.