A SCHEME aimed at improving the appearance of businesses in a Cumbrian borough is to come to an end this weekend.

Copeland Borough Council's Pride of Place scheme has awarded more than £300,000 to over 50 businesses in the area to improve shopfronts, windows and external decorations since launching in July 2017.

Hundreds of businesses have applied for up to £5,000 for the work, with grants awarded to cover up to 50 per cent of the work in an effort to encourage businesses to invest in their premises.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, pledged £500,000 to the scheme, which closes on Saturday September 1.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to upgrade their premises for a fraction of the cost.

"We all want to see our local economy flourishing and we understand that some businesses may struggle to upgrade their premises without assistance.

"It is imperative that we support local businesses in any way we can and improving the visual aspect of our towns and villages is key to encouraging visitors and residents to our high streets and making Copeland a better place to live, work and visit."

In March, work was carried out on Cambridge House Hotel, in Millom, after a grant from the scheme.