A charity which was set up in response to the Carlisle floods and went on to help people in need across the country will close its doors today (thurs) .

Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT (UK) Ltd and formerly Eden Flood Volunteers, has been at threat of closure since April when its funding stream from Cumbria Community Foundation dried up.

Despite an emergency plan to secure it for a further 18 months, bosses were unable to find the £200,000 funding needed to survive.

The charity, which provided furniture and support to flood victims and has helped more than 20,000 homes and businesses across the country, is now selling off its left over stock to raise money to pay off its bills.

Commenting on Facebook yesterday Sue Dust, client liaison officer, said: "Today will be our final sale day.

"Please remember whilst looking for your bargain, even after the doors close, we still have a mound of bills that we must clear, so every penny counts. Please keep that in mind.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported through this dark time and purchased from us to help our funds."

The sale closes at 3.30pm today.

The charity's volunteers offered a variety of support from providing furniture, to counselling and emotional support, working closely with other agencies such as social services, Citizens Advice, Red Cross, Mind and Age UK.