ALSTON'S weekly Warm Hub finished with a party and dancing to celebrate the recent King's Coronation. 

Following six months of welcoming visitors most Mondays, it was time to take a summer break, but organisers and volunteers hope that things will start up again towards the end of the year.

Thanks to funding from Cumbria Community Foundation, the Frieda Scott Trust, Alston Moor Food Bank, Alston Moor Parish Council, Alston Moor Business Association and generous donations given by the public, the hub was able run longer than first anticipated.

The Warm Spaces national initiative was set up to help people through a difficult winter of rapidly rising energy bills and social isolation.

READ MORE: Interactive map of all the 'warm spots' around Cumbria

Alston's Warm Hub regularly attracted up to 50 people each week where they enjoyed meeting up with old and new friends and taking part in activities including bingo and quizzes.

They were also entertained by local musicians and nostalgic local history films presented on the big screen.

Advice on available grants and money saving tips were offered by organisations such as Cumbria County Council and Age UK.

Raymond Miller, one of the organisers said: "We've been very pleased with the response to the Warm Hub. People have really enjoyed Mondays at the Town Hall and the feedback we've had has been very positive.

"There is definitely public demand for its return.

"We've also had several people from outside the area who dropped in as they were passing.

"Thanks go to many people, including all the funders and volunteers.

"We've seen so much generosity from local people, organisations and businesses who have kept us in constant supply of homemade soup, cakes and scones, including pupils from Samuel Kings School as part of a project for the Princes' Trust, funded by the Oaklea Trust.

"We hope the Warm Hub will return in October or November, so watch this space," he said.