Cumberland Council's first community network event - at which residents and groups can come together to hear about how money could be invested locally - will be held this evening (Thursday).

Everyone is invited to the Lakes to Sea Community Network event at the Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth.

It serves the wards of Bothel and Wharrels, Cockermouth North, Cockermouth South, Dearham and Broughton, Keswick, Maryport North and Maryport South.

The meeting will discuss how the council's Community Panel directs investment.

The chairman of the Lakes to Sea panel, Cllr Andrew Semple, will be there along with other ward councillors.

Community Panels are all about people working together, he said.

"The idea is to listen to people and find a common theme and what the communities need. It's about connectivity," said Cllr Semple.

"We want everyone to come together - whether that's parish councillors, football clubs, emergency response groups.

"It's about the community getting together and saying what they think they need.

"I would like to have a shared understanding of what is needed. We can learn from each other."

The council has about £60,000 a year to invest in each network.

"The hope is that once we establish common goals we can look at other sources of money, such as the Sellafield social impact fund," said Cllr Semple.

From 6pm until 7pm people can browse information from a range of community groups and chat with Community Panel members and council staff.

From 7pm until 8pm, they will be able find out more about Community Panels and Community Networks.

"They’ll talk about their draft priorities and how you can help shape them to influence where investment goes.

"There will also be a chance for people to ask questions," said a spokesman.

At a recent meeting of Cockermouth Town Council, at which Cumberland Council leader was present, Cllr Howard Beanland asked about funding for local projects.

"I have been trying to find sources of money for the town - whether for a skate park or paths. How can we access S106 (planning agreement) money or Sellafield money?" he said.

The Strawberry How S106 money had been spent, he was told.

Cllr Fryer said people should engage with community forums as part of the Community Panels scheme. The idea is "to spread funds around different organisations", he said.