The head of a Cumbrian community support group has cut the ribbon at the official opening of Newcastle Building Society's new Carlisle branch.

Andy Auld, chief executive of Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden, was invited to officially open the society's new branch on English Street.

Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden, which offers free, confidential, independent, and impartial advice and information from their two main sites in Carlisle and Penrith,was recently given £2,000 from the society to pay for new IT equipment which will help improve the service it can provide.

The funding was provided by the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund at the Community Foundation, which has been set up to provide grants to charities and community groups that are located in or around the communities served by the society's branch network, and put forward for support by its customers.

Newcastle Building Society has created its new English Street branch as part of a continuing multi-million pound investment programme across the whole of its branch network, and has maintained the key existing features of its new Carlisle home, including its grand staircase, stained glass window and feature ceiling.

The branch's community area provides a free space in which local people, groups and good causes can hold meetings and events, as well as share information about activities that are happening in the local area.

Mr Auld, said: "We are grateful to the society for the grant. The equipment will enable us to support people in our offices as well as allowing us to take our advice and support out to community locations."

Daniel Nixon, society manager, added: “We're very grateful to Andy for taking the time to do the official opening honours for us."