Small businesses are being given the chance to move into a new office space for free.

Chartered surveyors Solomons Europe opened their new office space, named the Papcastle Depot, near the village in July last year.

As well as having a base at the depot itself, Solomons Europe is also renting out space to other companies.

On March 9, the company will be launching the new co-working space at the site.

As part of the launch, it is running a competition making five desks available for free for a six month rental period.

The competition is part of the company's Pay It Forward initiative, which it has been running since 2018.

It has involved a variety of schemes to provide support to other local businesses, as well as community initiatives.

Businesses must enter the competition by Friday.

Entrants must include a brief summary of their business with links to website and social media pages and three key reasons why six months free co-working space will enable them to grow and expand

They must also include growth and financial forecast evidence showing they will be able to meet the £235 per desk per month rental charge once the first six months ends.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to make a final pitch to a panel on March 5.

The competition is open to registered, Cumbria-based micro, startup or SME businesses with plans to grow.

Entries should be sent to kerry.doig@solomonseurope.co.uk