The Salvation Army in Whitehaven is opening its doors to help people struggling with the cost of living.

The church and community centre on Catherine Street is offering a place for people to keep warm and get hot refreshments in the Welcome Hub as temperatures drop.

The Welcome Hub is open every Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.

Visitors can enjoy free hot drinks and, from 12pm, soup or toasties.

Donations are welcomed and suggested at £1.

Major Steven Watson, church leader at The Salvation Army in Whitehaven, said: "We know times are tough for a lot of people in our community and we have seen local people struggling to make ends meet throughout the year but with Christmas around the corner and the cold weather forcing heating to be turned up, we know people on the lowest of incomes are at risk of being pushed further into poverty.

"Our Welcome Hub offers a space for people to come and be warm while also enjoying hot refreshments and pleasant company.

"When the temperatures suddenly drop, the very frightening choice of choosing between heating homes and putting food on the table becomes a worrying reality, and it’s a choice we feel that no one should have to make.

"We aim to provide a friendly, warm and welcoming space at the coldest of times."

The Salvation Army in Whitehaven also offers a weekly friendship group from 1.30pm to 3pm on Mondays and an Art Café from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays.