MONEY from the European Union helped to kick-start Egremont's homeless hostel.

Calderwood House, on Main Street, is the brainchild of Cumbria's Woman of the Year Rachel Holliday - and without the EU her dream would have been unable to get off the ground.

The hostel, which provides rooms and support to the homeless, gives priority to ex-military personnel.

Director Rachel received a European Social Fund grant to develop a business plan for her idea.

The project is close to her heart - after she found herself homeless as a teenager - and it has helped move residents into employment.

Originally, the plan received £1,000 and another £1,000 was granted for business support later on.

"The European Social Fund gave me financial assistance to have a robust business plan written. This was all available through the Cumbria Business Growth Hub," she said.

"Without this I wouldn't have been able to secure capital funding to open the project. I am personally saddened to leave the EU, I believe we are stronger together."

The European Social Fund is the union's main financial instrument for supporting employment in members states.

Cumbria Business Growth Hub, which has a base in Cleator Moor, helps businesses grow by offering advice, training and networking.

And Rachel added: "Cumbria in particular has benefited greatly from the EU. I just hope we can move forward and unite together through these worrying and uncertain times.

"I'm unsure who is now going to fund and support new enterprises setting up. I would like to think there is a plan in place should we lose the EU funding for new business start up, but I don't know."