A TEAM of Cleator Moor volunteers has been busy fundraising for a charitable trip to the spiritual town of Lourdes.

The group of four includes 17-year-old Maisie Diamond-Smith from Cleator Moor and Ellie Geen, 17, of Wath Brow, and they are aiming to help people with disabilities and illnesses visit the pilgrimage site.

There are 10 girls in total and they need need more than £5,000 to fund the trip, the group also needs over £500 for helper t-shirts and transport.

Hundreds of pounds have already been raised by generous Cleator Moorites.

A cake sale and raffle following a mass at Cleator Church, St Mary’s Priory raised £130 and a bag-packing, raffle and tombola event at Cleator Moor Co-operative at the weekend is expected to bring in hundreds towards the cause.

Over £300 has been raised in a previous Cleator Moor bag-packing event and Cleator Moor Town Council has donated £200.

Council clerk, Helen Gilmour, said: “I think it is marvellous that the four young people from Cleator Moor are willing to give their time to support elderly and disabled people visit such a special place.

“I am sure they will be working hard while they are there, but equally sure that it will be a wonderful experience for them all.”

The trip is ran by Castlerigg Manor, which leads the Youth section of the Diocese of Lancaster, particularly sick pilgrims.

Ellie Geen, 17 from Wath Brow, said, “I’m really excited to be going on this pilgrimage. In addition to the sights and culture, it’s going to be incredibly rewarding. It’s always important for us to remember that community support, in whatever capacity, is something we all should take part in”.

For more information about upcoming fundraisers or for how to get involved in supporting the girls, call 07873426404.