Maryport's Education Settlement will close at the end of this year.

Manager Jane Donaldson has been given notice of redundancy, as has part-time caretaker and helper Alan Roper.

Trustees are working to find a new role for the High Street institution in the new year but say they have no choice but to wind up the charity which is facing a financial crisis.

Trustee Jim O’Rourke said the Settlement lost £12,000 a year when Cumbria County Council, who rented rooms in the building, pulled out.

“That was a blow, but then two other major funding sources came to an end. We were losing £4,000 a year and if we had continued we would not have had the resources to wind the charity up,” he said.

He said the trustees were exploring every option to keep the Settlement functioning after the new year but added: “Everything is up in the air at the moment.”

Beautiful Beginnings Natural Playgroup meets there, as well as various groups focusing on gardening, pottery and arts for those with mental health problems or who just feel isolated.

The Settlement also has job clubs for people seeking employment.

Mr Roper began work at the Settlement as a volunteer.

He had been made redundant, could not find work and said he suffered a loss of self-esteem as a result.

Interested in art, he volunteered to help with craft work.

He painted a mural on the back wall of the Settlement and, as a result, got other painting commissions as well as a part-time job there.

He said: “The Settlement really helped me. I am hoping that it will continue.”