A charity focused on delivering youth projects across Barrow and Furness is building upon 'another successful year'.

In the Annual General Meeting for the Drop Zone Youth Council, which operates from Lakeland House on Abbey Road, the charity revealed that they were in a 'strong position' for the future.

An award from the Garfield Foundation, which kickstarted in December, will further help the charity reach its ambitions going forward.

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Mike Cumming, the chair of the group, said: "Drop Zone would not be where it is today without the inspired and excellent leadership of our two directors, Cath Corkill and Sue Johnson.

"Between them, they epitomise everything good about the organisation and continue to drive the organisation into new and innovative areas."

Mr Cumming also thanked Westmorland and Furness Council for their continued support, despite a period of 'disruption' whilst they took over duties from the disbanded Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council.

"It resulted in the bid for the refurbishment of Lakeland House coming to the Drop Zone to implement, however it has also resulted in a 25-year lease of Lakeland House which will inevitably give stability for the future," he said.

"This award for refurbishment and youth organisational support from the Youth Investment Fund signifies an appreciation for the works that Drop Zone undertakes in the area and will provide a very important resource for Furness in the future."

With the Board of Trustees now being 'settled', Mr Cumming explained that this would help the charity build upon the success it saw in 2023.

"This year, we again held a Pride Event which continues to grow every year and continues to have a positive impact," he said.

"Congratulations again go to the staff for the hard work they have put into making this event the success that it is."

The charity added that 2024 will prove to be a year of change for the organisation, allowing them to continue providing their valuable service across the area.