A West Cumbrian charity has an ambitious £130,000 scheme to transform a vacant Workington building into a new centre. 

West House, which supports adults and children with learning disabilities, has announced its plans to relocate to the former sixth form campus in Moorclose by the end of the year.

It is currently working towards raising the funds to refurbish the building and create learning and activity spaces, a training centre and West Cumbria's first changing places facility for disabled people who are not mobile enough to use disabled toilets.

Its community services in Westfield, training centre in Cockermouth and head office in Workington will all move to the new hub.

James Cox, the charity's chief executive, said: "The community hub in Moorclose will be a much needed lifeline for people in West Cumbria.

"It will provide everything from improved services for people with learning disabilities to a much needed hub for a thriving community.

"By moving our local community services, training facilities and head office into Moorclose, we hope to make a positive impact in the local community and empower and support some of West Cumbria's most disadvantaged and vulnerable people."

The charity will take over empty rooms at the ground and first floor of the building and is hoping its move will represent an opportunity for the Moorclose community.

Lesley Reid, operational manager for community activities at the charity, said: "The whole venture is something that the entire community at large should be excited about, we see it as an opportunity not just to be benefactors but beneficiaries.

"We're looking at holding events, integrating with the local community and there will be volunteering opportunities.

"There are so many other community groups that work there and there's so much we can give back to that site, it's about collaboration."

The charity is working with the community centre to develop the project.

Gillian Thompson, who manages the site, said: "We're very excited about working alongside West House.

"A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes to get to this stage. This is a new year and a new project and exciting times ahead for both the charity and the community centre."

Workington Town Boys And Girls Boxing Club was the first group to move into the building in August as part of the Needham Drive centre's aim of becoming a hub for the local community.

West House is due to hold an open event for anyone who would like to find out more about the project. The event is due to take place next Friday, February 5, from 1pm at Moorclose Community Centre.