By Phil Coleman

Last updated 11:25, Monday, 01 December 2008

CARLISLE’S branch of the charity Mencap for people with learning difficulties has marked its 40th anniversary by raising £40,000.

The branch plans to finish what has been a successful year of events with a festive cheese and wine party at its residential respite home, California House at Kingstown tomorrow from noon until 4pm.

During the celebration there will be a raffle with the star prize of £500 worth of holiday vouchers, donated by Co-op Travel.

Highlights of the anniversary year included a thanksgiving service at Carlisle Cathedral, a charity abseil from the Civic Centre, Kingmoor Park race day at Carlisle races, a garden party, and Bollywood ball.

There was also Damien Baglee’s sponsored swim of Lake Ullswater and a host of smaller events to raise funds.

A spokesman said: “The charity is delighted that we are pleased to have been chosen as the main beneficiary of the Mayor’s Charity.”

Carlisle Mencap was set up by local people with disabled children in 1968. It has over 150 members and provide services for over 300 people with learning disabilities in North Cumbria.