GENEROUS well-wishers bequeathed three homes to a Lake District charity.
The Lakeland Housing Trust, set up in 1937, provides affordable homes for local people.
Fern Cottage at Clappersgate was left to the trust by James Spedding, who lived there many years.
After refurbishment, the home will be let out and renamed Spedding Cottage.
High Crag at Gale Rigg, Ambleside, was left to the trust by a builders' merchant from the Midlands, Kenneth Smith.
He loved the Lakes and bought the property as a second home. As High Crag is quite large, a decision was made with Mr Smith's family to sell the house and use the proceeds to buy or develop other homes.
The trust purchased 12 Loughrigg Park, Ambleside, which will be lived in by a local family. The house was previously a holiday let but is now back in local occupancy, said the trust.
The remainder of the money from the sale will help to fund building projects by the trust.
The third property, High Green Gate Cottage, Sawrey, was generously bequeathed by Mrs Della Porter-Hargreaves and is now let.
Malcolm Tillyer, chairman of the Lakeland Housing Trust said: "Trustees are very grateful for these generous bequests.
"We are committed to providing homes for local people who cannot otherwise afford to buy or rent locally at prevailing prices.
"The growth of second-home ownership means, in some areas, the need for local housing is increasingly acute.
"We own 42 properties and I anticipate we will continue to grow in the coming months.”
For more, see www.thelakelandhousingtrust.co.uk

The applications are now closed for the property at Troutbeck. 

​A property has now become available to let. For more details please visit our available property section or contact the office on 01539 721673. ​

The applications are now closed for the property at Ambleside. 

A property has now become available to let. For more details please visit our available property section or contact the office on 01539 721673. ​

We are pleased to announce that one of our trustees, Mr John Holmes, was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List, for services to the community in Cumbria.

In addition to his role with the Lakeland Housing Trust, John is a district councillor for Bowness and Levens and the Chair of trustees for the Bendrigg Trust, a pioneering residential outdoor education centre, working with disabled and disadvantaged young people. He is a churchwarden and has been a village hall committee member for more than 10 years. 

John has also served as governor at Crosthwaite Church of England School, where he was instrumental in expanding the establishment, and was also chairman of the Westmorland Damson Association. He is known as the driving force behind the Damson Fair which attracts several thousands of visitors. He also set up a Community First Response Team in the Lyth Valley where he formed a committee, raised funds and recruited team members.

On receiving the award, Mr Holmes said:
"I was completely surprised, delighted and honoured when I was informed that I was to receive an Award in a notification early in December. It was the first I knew about it. I have never sought or expected any such recognition for serving the community beyond the enjoyment of being able to help others. I am absolutely thrilled that Her Majesty has honoured me in this way. I would also like to pay tribute to my wife Caroline, without who's support over the years I would not have been able to do what I do.”