A new sensory room for people with autism is being created at a support centre in Workington.

The project is being supported by the Workington Together Community Panel, which recently awarded £6,000 towards creating the room at the Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland premises.

The room will provide lights, sound, and equipment to create a stimulating environment for children and adults with autism.

There are no similar facilities nearby and the room will be available for all ages.

The panel also joined other community panels in supporting Together We Can Community Interest Company, awarding £8,000 towards the Together We Carry project in the panel area.

It offers one-to-one support for new mothers and families experiencing mental health difficulties, and this funding will go towards staffing costs over the next six months.

Citizens Advice Allerdale was awarded £16,118 to fund two business administration apprentices.

Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: "These are some great projects that illustrate the range of ways community panels can support our residents.

"The sensory room in Workington will be an incredible resource, and the other two investments show how we can help existing projects to continue their great work."

The Workington Together Community Panel covers the wards of Mossbay, Moorclose, Harrington, Seaton, St John’s and Great Clifton, and St Michael’s.

The application deadline for the next round of Community Panel support for the Workington Together area is October 31.