THE shutters have gone down on a much loved West Cumbria charity, following the announcement of its closure last week.

On Saturday, May 25 Age UK West Cumbria said it would cease trading from today, May 31 with the charity citing 'financial challenges' as the reason for its closure.

This morning the shutters were pulled down on the Age UK store based on Finkle Street in Workington.

A spokesman for Age UK West Cumbria said: “Age UK West Cumbria has faced a number of financial challenges and unfortunately the Board of Trustees have made the difficult decision to cease operating after Friday, May 31, meaning that the charity is no longer able to continue offering services to older people across West Cumbria.

“We are sad and disappointed that it has come to this. As you would expect our number one priority is how we can now best support older people in the area and we are now looking at the best way this can be achieved locally.

“We are mindful that this news will be upsetting for the older people that we support, as well as our staff, volunteers and stakeholders."

The charity has a number of shops across West Cumbria, with the Finkle Street store in Workington left largely empty after the charity announced that all products were on offer for free this week.

A sign of the window of the shop announcing the closure, said: "Thank you for your support over the years."

The Carlisle and Eden branch is unaffected.

Anyone looking for Age UK's help is asked to contact its national advice line on 0800 055 6112.