Two West Cumbrian charities have been handed £1,000 each by a housing developer.

Workington's Carnegie Theatre Trust and Team Evie were awarded the cash by Persimmon Homes as part of the company's Community Champions scheme.

Diane Finch, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes, said: "The Community Champions initiative was established to support the volunteers, charities and organisations that make life better for everyone in the areas where we are creating new homes.

"Both of these excellent groups do fantastic work in the community, so we are honoured to help them with this funding support."

The Carnegie Theatre Trust aims to provide accessible cultural experiences for people in West Cumbria.

Persimmon's donation will be used to help bring a national touring production of Private Peaceful to the theatre for school groups. The play, adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s book, will be performed in November to mark the centenary of Armistice Day.

Team Evie is a small charity with a mission to help sick children and their families in Cumbria. The organisation supplies sensory and physio equipment, comfort items and parent packs to help families when rushed to hospital. It also provides vital medical equipment for families looking after their children at home and a bereavement service.

Persimmon's scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund.

Organisations can apply by visiting www.persimmonhomes.com/charity