Cockermouth flood clothing bank closes doors

Hundreds of residents and businesses in Cockermouth were affected

A clothing bank set up to help victims of floods in a Cumbrian town has closed its doors after 11 months.

Cockermouth was one of the areas worst hit by the devastation caused by heavy rainfall in November 2009.

Volunteers set up the facility to distribute donated clothes, bedding, toys and cleaning products.

The scale of the task meant that other organisations soon became involved, and hundreds of people were helped before it closed on Friday.

Sally Scales, neighbourhood development officer for Cumbria County Council, said: "The clothing bank was fantastic for people affected by the floods and although it has been extremely well used the time is right to bring it to an end.

"The bank wouldn't have been possible without wonderful help from Sainsbury's and Mitchells Auction Mart for the use of their buildings, Age UK for their invaluable help, and especially the many, many volunteers who gave their time to help local people when they needed it most."