A FUNDRAISING campaign to revive a flood-hit former care home is intensifying.

The Edenside Project in Appleby is run by the Oaklea Trust. The building was previously a home for the elderly on the banks of the River Eden but has been empty since being hit by Storm Desmond in December 2015.

Aiming to raise £250,000 the trust plans to develop the site into extra care housing for local elderly people and Eden District Council looks set to hand out grants.

The council is set to hand out grants totalling £44,500 and nine projects are looking to benefit from the Eden Community Fund.

One of the largest awards of £10,000 will go to the Edenside project who are hosting a fundraiser to make up the rest of the money needed.

Appleby musicians are inviting people to put on their dancing shoes and join them for traditional Ceilidh at Appleby Hub on September 20.

The Oaklea Trust, who also run the Appleby Hub community building and cafe in the centre of the town, took over the ownership from Cumbria County Council of the former Edenside Residential Care Home.

Appleby based Oaklea Trustee, Linda Adey, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who is helping to support the Ceilidh.

“Alongside the music and dancing, The Hub kitchen team are providing a fabulous supper and there will be a bar and raffle on the night.

“The community fundraisers at The Hub have been very well supported by local people and they are really helping us to get that £250,000 target which will enable us to reopen Edenside but also provide an even wider range of support and care for local elderly people.

“Weare so grateful to the Ceilidh organisers for running this event on behalf of Oaklea Trust and our Edenside project.

“The Ceilidh will not only be a great fundraiser but also a great night out in Appleby.

“Thanks really do go to those who will be performing, cooking and serving on the night - without such great community support the Edenside Project wouldn’t be possible.”

The fundraiser will take place at The Hub in Appleby on September between 7.30pm and 11pm. Tickets are £15 and family tickets are £30 including food.

You can buy tickets from the Hub or call Sue on either 017683 53105 or 07799551604 or email edenvalleycband@aol.com.