A local sports club has been awarded a £25,000 grant to improve its offering to the community.

Mirehouse Ponds provide a haven of peace for those who visit and is also a place for anglers to develop their fishing skills.

Haig Angling Club (HAC) has recently been redeveloping the area to improve access, drainage, pathways, ponds, woodland and wildlife conservation on the site.

The group says it is "providing an outdoor haven for wild flora and fauna; quality angling facilities and a place for local people to experience the wellbeing benefits of the outdoors, whilst also providing a great opportunity for those who would like to volunteer".

They have been actively promoting and encouraging people to visit and enjoy the site as well as encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get involved in angling.

The improvements were funded by a £25,000 grant from Copeland Community Foundation.

David Moore, from Copeland Community Fund, at the official unveiling of the completed project, said: “What a fantastic place. It was great walking around the ponds and meeting so many enthusiastic anglers and I even got to witness a very impressive catch.

"This project is important, not only to those who take part in angling, but also to local residents within the Mirehouse area who use the woodland walks for their recreation.”

Mike Pattinson, the Haig Angling Club chairman, said: “The club is very grateful to Copeland Community Fund and all the other funders and supporters of the redevelopment project including: Well Whitehaven, United Utilities Legacy Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation, Copeland Borough Council and Low Level Waste Repository Ltd for enabling us to provide a recreational area that locals can be proud of and benefit from."

Dave Heald, secretary of the club, added: “The work completed to-date concentrated on delivering improved safety for people exiting the site onto Mirehouse, whilst addressing the priority maintenance actions in and around the ponds.

"Planning for phase two of the project, to further redevelop the ponds and woodlands has already started.”